There are thirty-three forms of Avalokitesvara, Guanyin, or Kannon To assist sentient beings in earthly existence. For this Japanese Bodhisattva of Compassion, the Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in a lacquered Zushi. She stands above a nine-tiers lotus pedestal, with upper torso slightly forward in a bowing tribhanga gesture. In front of a sizeable leaf-shaped aureole, her hands held together in blessing gesture (Anjali mudra). A twirling celestial scarf flows across her shoulders, around her arms as it falls flaring outward near her ankles. The Bodhisattva is youthful and elegantly proportioned; she wears a delicate high crown, her countenance radiates with peace and compassion. The figure is hand-carved in the classic Tang style. Enclosed in a meticulously constructed, copper brackets mounted wood butsudan. With the artist's Sumi-ink signature, the shrine is well preserved for home decor or meditation practices.