Jizo are represented in several different countries and can mean a variety of things, but their primary common myth is that Jizo is a Buddhist monk who has attained enlightenment but has stayed behind to help those who are still in need of guidance to reach heaven. Jizo, in Japan specifically, are revered as guides for travelers and as protectors of children; especially children who have died before their parents. In general the Jizo are a benevolent symbol of aide and comfort.

I've been making some Pokemon Jizo with their own little back story.

POKEMON MYTH:
There was once a talented sculptor. He knew well his craft and his skill was admired by many. His wife had been one of his many admirers and he loved his craft only second to her. When she was with child he spent many of his hours working on a single piece. While his wife spent many hours preparing a place for the child, he sought to sculpt his best work ever. This way his child would enter the world with the greatest gift he could offer. His put all his hopes and love for his unborn child into his work.

When the day came that his wife was to give birth, he was finally finished with his work. Her labor was long and painful. Even the most skilled doctors in the town could not save the child. The sculptor and his wife were devastated. The sculptor altered his masterpiece, moving its hands together so that it might always be praying for their child's protection. When he lay it beside the grave of his lost child the statue became a Pokemon. To this day, the area where the sculptor once lived makes Pokemon statues with their hands in prayer that are meant to protect the lost and guide them to safe paths.

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A commission of Aipom for someone on LJ.

It's been a bit of time since I've gotten to make one of my Pokemon Jizo. They were the first sculptures I made for people, and I really miss making them. I still enjoy making all the things I do now, but the jizo really mean a lot to me, and when I make them (and any sculpture I'm told is a gift etc) I work hard to put my feelings of happiness and love into what I'm making, hoping that that will come through in in the end product.

This jizo was ordered by someone who said that Aipom's happy smile really helped them cheer up when they were sad, and I hope that my little jizo will bring them lots of smiles, too. My favorite thing is to make art that can serve to bring something (comfort, happiness, etc) to the person receiving it, and while I know much for my work does that, even if it's not my jizos, I still thank the commissioner very much for giving me the opportunity to hop back into my "roots" so to speak. It was a joy. I hope I get to work on more jizos again in the future. They're my favorite.