Welcoming Descent of Jizō Bodhisattva, first half 14th century, Unknown Japanese, 42 3/4 × 15 3/4 in. (108.59 × 40.01 cm) (image)75 1/4 × 22 5/8 in. (191.14 × 57.47 cm) (mount), Ink, color, and gold leaf on silk, Japan, 14th century, Jizō is a bodhisattva (bosatsu in Japanese), a divine being who postpones enlightenment in order to assist the living. Here he descends to the earth on a cloud to save a suffering believer. He carries a staff and a wish-granting jewel (hōju). His feet rest on lotus blossoms. Although his head is shaved and his robes are those of a monk, Jizōs body is adorned with gold jewelry and his outer garments are lavishly decorated with gold, signaling his status as a bodhisattva.