Guan Yin

Kannon or Kanzeon

Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit. One of the most important deities of Buddhism, Guan Yin appears in many different avatars. Originally male, Kannon is often portrayed androgynously or unabashedly female. “the One who Sees the Sounds of the World” Guan Yin’s compassion reaches out to those in distress.

 (The Canon camera was originally so named because its designer, Goro Yoshida, was a devotee of Kannon.)

the six Kannon

Eleven Face Kannon

Saviour of the World Kannon

Royal Ease Kannon

Holy Kannon

Horse Head Kannon

Thousand Arm Kannon

White-robed Kannon

1934 Canon camera logo