Saiyuki Wallpaper: Amnesia Buddha

Artist Comment

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For a very long time now, I've been an admirer of Kazuya Minekura's potent illustration techniques. There's a great deal within her composition, structure, texture and colourization that sets her well apart from most other Japanese illustrators in this modern age. While it's undoubtedly a question of personal taste according to the individual viewer, for me, Minekura's magic has a lot to do with the impeccable free-form of her designs. That each and every character illustration and pencil sketch is not produced to look like an artificial pose nor strained to the point of photogenic perfection. But rather, that each of her images reflects a reality only available in life. Like a photograph wherein the model is unawares of the camera's encapsulating eye. It is for this reason that many of her illustrations have a natural and carefree feel to them. It's really something to behold. And anyone lucky enough to own copies of her latter art books would see this magic I speak of over and over again with the turning of every page.

This particular Minekura artwork was originally published in 'Salty Dog Vol. 2' during the release of the original Saiyuki and Saiyuki 2.0 box set anime series. This particular illustration of Kanzeon Bosatsu (The Lady Kannon, otherwise known in Buddhist religion as The Goddess of Mercy) was not officially publicised, as far as we understand. However, that doesn't make this character any less intriguing as her appearances throughout the anime and manga series continue.
According to legend; The Great Kannon is a hermaphrodite, meaning - neither male nor female, but appearing to her brethren as either gender. For the gentlemen of the Saiyuki experience, Kannon appears with the body of a woman but is presumed to have the personal endowments of a man. Fascinating isn't it?

It's been a very long time since we've published a Saiyuki inspired work. It's good to get back to familiars.
Thus, this particular artwork is in tribute to Lady Kannon whose hand is harsh in lesson, but whose reason is unfailing although her motives appear cruel. This piece is inspired by the lake of lotus blossoms she often appears gazing into as she watches from her throne in the heavens. Minekura's primary artwork has been fully digitally recoloured. This particular work has undergone two previously unpublished releases also hand coloured by myself. The Japanese Kanji (script) reads 'Kami' when Romanised, meaning 'God' in English. While base art is retrospective of Kannon's tumultuous yet peace-inspiring nature.

Enjoy it, I certainly did! :)

*Commentary welcome.

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