Jizo Ishizo, Japanese Stone Buddhist Statue

Stone Jizo statues, Jizō Ishizō (地蔵石像) in Japanese, are the most common Buddhist statues in Japan. These statues are very popular and receive much appreciation because they are based on Jizō Bosatsu, the deity for children and travelers. Within Buddhism, Jizō Bosatsu is described as a Bodhisattva, which is a deity who constantly yearns for the well-being of all things and everyone around them and is on the path to enlightenment.

Compared to other Bodhisattvas who are more often depicted with crowns and extravagant jewelry, Jizō Bosatsu is known for its more subdued appearance as a traveling monk. He is often depicted on a lotus platform and with a jewel in his left hand.