Sculptures
The Staff of Jizo Bosatsu
Cypress, bronze, mahogany
2006
Jizo Bosatsu was a Japanese monk, often considered to be the personification of compassion and depicted a great deal in medieval Japanese sculpture. He carried a staff that jingled as he walked in order to scare birds, insects, and rodents out of his path so he wouldn't step on them. This Jizo holds his staff and a small field mouse, but is also watched by a medieval lion, who is probably a friend.
Photo by John Greenwell