One-petal Kannon (The Bodhisattva Kannon Crossing the Sea on a Lotus Petal)
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Ink |
| Current Location: | Unknown — sold at Christie’s New York in 2020; subsequent owner/location not publicly disclosed. |
| Location History: | One-petal Kannon was created by the Japanese Zen monk and painter Sesson Shūkei (1504–1589) during the Muromachi period. Although the exact date of the painting is unknown, the work has a documented history of ownership beginning with the Matsuzawa Family Collection. It was later held by S. Yabumoto Ltd. in Tokyo before being acquired by Mathias Komor in New York on 7 March 1975. It subsequently became part of The James and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection in Chicago. The work was later sold at Christie’s New York in 2020. Its current owner and location are not publicly disclosed. |
Sesson Shukei’s One-petal Kannon shows Kannon as an peaceful presence drifting across a wide churning sea. The painting is made entirely in ink. It uses changes in how thick or thin the brush strokes are to separate the figure, the waves, the moon and the empty space around them. Kannon’s soft shape stands on one lotus petal. This creates a difference between the delicate almost fragile look of the human form and the strong steady feeling of spiritual power. Behind Kannon a large moon hangs in the sky. It adds a thoughtful mood to the scene. The waves. Twist, showing constant motion and a sense of unease.. Kannon does not move. Kannon stays still. This shows strength and kindness even in difficult times. The journey across the sea can be seen as a symbol. It stands for leaving the world behind and moving toward enlightenment. In the world of Zen Buddhism this painting teaches that awareness helps a person stay calm and centered. It shows that when the world, around you feels unstable you can still find peace. The message is clear: serenity, rising above the chaos and compassion are the paths.