In Japan, Kannon is the most widely worshipped of all bodhisattvas, divine beings who forestall their own passage into nirvana to help others achieve salvation. This work, in its serene simplicity, typifies an early style of Buddhist sculpture in Japan after the religion was introduced in the 6th century. The full, oval face and child-like proportions are related to both Chinese and Korean prototypes. Such small gilt bronzes were easily transported, thus helping to spread Buddhism and Buddhist iconography throughout Asia.