Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in the Water-Moon Form (Shuiyue Guanyin), 12th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Wood, gesso and pigmentsexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 99.24.2
On View in Gallery 200expand_more
Of the many manifestations of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, perhaps none was more prevalent in East Asia than the uniquely Chinese form known as “Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara,” which later also spread to Korea and Japan. This form of the bodhisattva presides over his own paradise, Potolaka, which is described in scripture as a rugged seaside cave from which Avalokiteshvara could admire the reflection of the moon in the water. Appropriately, he appears meditative and relaxed and is seated informally in the “royal-ease” posture. Ornately dressed, with silk robes, fluttering sashes, jewelry, and an elaborate hairstyle, he also wears a headpiece that features an image of Amitābha, the buddha to whom Avalokiteshvara attends. Believers might look to a sculpture like this as a guide for their own journeys toward enlightenment.
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- Title
- Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in the Water-Moon Form (Shuiyue Guanyin)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.24.2
- Curator Approved
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