This silk fukusa features the rare depiction of Byakue Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, using yuzen-dyeing with embroidery highlights. It's in very good condition, measuring 26 inches (66 cm) by 30 inches (76 cm). The worship of Kannon, originally a male deity known as Guanyin in China and Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit, began in India around the 1st or 2nd century AD before spreading to various Asian nations.

In Japan, the veneration of Kannon as a female deity started during the late 6th century with Buddhism's arrival from Korea and China. Byakue Kannon, one of the 33 forms of Kannon, depicted in this fukusa, is associated with preventing sickness and disaster, granting fertility, safe childbirth, and aiding in raising children. This particular representation portrays a white-robed figure seated on a rock above water in the wilderness of her paradise, Fudarakusen.

By the 12th century, depictions of White-robed Kannon gained popularity among Chan (Zen) monks, who brought them to Japan. Japanese versions frequently adorned the living quarters of Zen monasteries. Kannon remains one of Japan's most beloved deities, with worship being non-denominational and widespread. Representations of Kannon serve to assist with various earthly petitions and protect those trapped in the six realms of karmic rebirth, especially the human realm.

While images of Kannon are common on scrolls, they're relatively uncommon on textiles. However, the scroll imagery reveals several variations of Kannon, including a piece by the artist Kano Yokinobu from 1675, which bears resemblance to and might have inspired the later artwork depicted in item 2737.