A porcelain figure of monk in praying posture

This Bodhisattva form has vowed to compassionately help sentient beings until the coming of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. Jizo is revered as the protector of women, ailing children and travelers; especially those traveling in the "between states" from this life to the next. His childlike image encourages parents to see him alternately as an innocent child and a gentle savior.