Juichimen Kannon Heian period, 9th century AD. From Akishiro-dera, Nara. Tokyo National Museum, Japan.

Juichimen = "Eleven-headed." Kannon is a savior Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. His eleven heads, deriving from India, symbolize various aspects of his power. In his left hand he holds a vase bearing a lotus bud. Kannon is an incarnation of Amida Buddha, and bears in his crown an image of Amida.

Kannon eventually evolved from a male to a female divinity, although at this time the masculine aspect was still foremost.