Who are avalokitesvara and jizo how are they usually represented in Buddhist art?

Answer 1

Avalokiteswara is a Tibetan form of the Buddha. Jizo is, I believe, a Japanese form. Buddha has many different forms because each represents a different reincarnation of Buddha. Some teachings are that Buddha was born of the 9th incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva, which is why so many similarities exist in the styles between Buddhism and Hinduism. Whenever Buddhism took a cultural leap and expanded into a new location/culture, a new reincarnation of Buddha occurred which correlated to that culture. So if you compare each of the different Buddhas, such as the Shakyamuni Buddha, the Hotei Buddha, and so on, they all are from different periods of Buddhist spiritual development and different locations.

Answer 2

Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva associated with compassion and is commonly depicted with multiple arms, symbolizing the ability to help and reach out to many beings simultaneously. Avalokitesvara is often depicted holding a lotus flower or a rosary.

Jizo, on the other hand, is a bodhisattva associated with protection and guidance, primarily for children and travelers. Jizo is usually represented as a monk-like figure holding a staff and wearing a simple robe. Sometimes, Jizo is depicted with children, holding a baby or carrying children in their arms.