Seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin), late 11th-early 12th century
Unknownexpand_more
Wood, gesso, mineral pigments, and goldexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 98.62a-h
On View in Gallery 200expand_more
A bodhisattva is a Buddhist deity who has attained the highest level of enlightenment but delays entering paradise in order to aid other earthly beings. Because bodhisattvas remain on earth, their bodies are usually lavishly adorned, unlike buddhas, who have entered the perfected state of nirvana. Here seated in the lotus position, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara wears gold jewelry and luxurious silk robes that the artist embellished with delicate designs made of gold foil and gold paint. Originally, his already elaborate topknot would have been further decorated with a gilt-metal crown, although it is now missing. Avalokiteshvara is associated with mercy and compassion. His Chinese name, Guanyin, means “perceiver of sounds” and is an indication that this merciful being has the ability to recognize all the people’s cries of suffering. These associations help make this figure one of the most popular deities to Chinese Buddhists, who might worship a sculpture like this in the hope that Avalokiteshvara would recognize their suffering and help them on their path toward salvation.
Explore
Audio
Artstory
Details
- Title
- Seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 98.62a-h
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.