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Bodhisattva Jizō statue of protection

In Mahāyāna Buddhism, this bronze statue is believed to protect travellers, and symbolises enlightenment.

A centuries-old statue that not only protects travellers, but also made its own unique trip to ARTIS.

The journey of Bodhisattva Jizō to ARTIS Zoo

Captain M.J.B. Noordhoek Hegt brought the impressive bronze statue of Bodhisattva Jizō (地蔵菩薩) to ARTIS from Japan in 1873. It was purchased for 400 guilders along with a large Buddha statue. Noordhoek Hegt, who was the son-in-law of ARTIS founder Westerman, brought both special Japanese art objects and exotic animal species to the zoo from his travels.

Bodhisattva or Buddha?

Jizō is one of the most important bodhisattvas in Mahāyāna Buddhism, a movement in which a bodhisattva strives for enlightenment. Although the Buddha himself once held this title, this statue is not a Buddha. A unique feature of Jizō statues in Japan is that they are found not only in temples, but also alongside roads and in cemeteries. Jizō, dressed in a monk's robe and carrying a pewter staff, is regarded as a protector of travellers, children, and women who wish to have children.

Artwork in detail

made in
approximately 1740
purchased in
1873
created by
an unknown artist
made of
bronze

Iconoclasm in Japan

In 1867, the Japanese shogunate came to an end and Shintoism became the state religion. This led to a division between Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, followed by an iconoclasm in which much Buddhist art was destroyed or sold. As a result of this, Captain Noordhoek Hegt was able to bring valuable Buddhist objects to ARTIS, and this is how the two statues ended up in the zoo's collection.