This item is a striking ceramic figure that was created by the Honolulu-based artist, Maile Yawata, expressly for 88 Shrines. It depicts Juichimen Kannon (ekadaza mukha in Sanskrit), which is one of the venerable entities of Bosatsu, worshipped in Buddhism. The Sanskrit name means "eleven faces". It is one of the transformed bodies of Kannon Bodhisattva (Kannon Bosatsu) and is one of the Roku Kannon (Six Kannons). As the features were explained in 'Juichimen Shinjushin-kyo Sutra' translated by Genjo, it is a Bosatsu having 11 faces on the head except for a face on the main body.

The figure is seated on a lotus base and the overall work measures 6" x 10" x 4". The clay used to create the work was fired with native ohi'a wood.

From the Artist

My artwork often deals with psychological edginess through narrative portraiture. I'm interested in everyday folks whose faces become iconic expressions of certain states of mind or emotions. They are local (multi-cultural) and Asian faces which may resemble, in part, my self, people I know, strangers I have stared at, or the Buddha. They morph into cartoon people rather than real ones. I don't use photos while working but often make rough sketches prior or use existing portraits of characters I have imagined, drawn and painted. The narrative comes from the lives of friends, family foibles, the news, books, cultural conflicts, my imagination, etc.