Willow Kannon 1810s

Sakai Hōitsu painted this ‘Willow Kannon’ on silk, during the Edo period in Japan. Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, is here wreathed in a green halo and holds a willow branch, a symbol of resilience and adaptability. This representation of Kannon echoes similar depictions of divine figures across cultures, such as the Virgin Mary, who is often portrayed with a halo, signifying purity and grace. The willow branch, reminiscent of palm fronds in Christian iconography, embodies new life and healing. The cyclical nature of these symbols reveals humanity's deep-seated need for comfort and salvation. The recurring motif of a divine figure, offering solace and hope, is a testament to the enduring power of collective memory. It transcends geographical boundaries, resurfacing time and again in art, to address our shared human anxieties and aspirations.