In this series, Lagniappe presents works from the collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art, with commentary from a curator.
A scroll encouraging viewers to “Respect Jizo" is on view in a new exhibition, "Envisioning Japan: Transformational Gifts from Kurt A. Gitter, M.D. and Alice Yelen Gitter," at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Jizo, a popular Buddhist figure, was, and still is, considered a special guardian of children and the Earth, as well as one who can save the souls of sinners. Brushed by the monk Gocho Kankai (1739-1835), the scroll was likely intended to encourage one of his followers on their spiritual journey.
Gocho entered religious life at an early age and became known for his broad understanding of Buddhism. He developed a reputation for healing the sick, a talent that allowed him to travel widely. A precocious student, Gocho assumed positions of increasing responsibility, eventually leading several monasteries. As an abbot, he was regarded as a strict disciplinarian who expected obedience from his students and modeled personal austerity.
The discipline Gocho practiced in his religious life informed the strong and curving strokes of his calligraphy. His distinctive style can also be seen in the inscriptions he wrote on several other scrolls in the exhibition, as Gocho’s calligraphy was much in demand.