Kanon Bodhisattva Buddhist Painting Japanese Hanging Scroll Painting The painting features Kanon (or Avalokitesvara in Sanskrit) standing upon a lot flower amidst rolling waves. The image is rather unique in that the blue and red colors of the Kanon's robes seem to imply a reference to Mary mother of Christ. In addition, The writing on the right side makes reference to what appears to be a church, although we are uncertain of the precise reference.