Artwork Page for Eleven-Headed Guanyin

Details / Information for Eleven-Headed Guanyin

Eleven-Headed Guanyin

十一面觀音菩薩

late 600s
Medium
wood
Measurements
height: 62.9 cm (24 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The sculpture was made of different types of wood with different grain sizes and patterns, which are connected with wood pegs and glue.

Description

Guanyin, the bodhisattva of infinite compassion, can be identified by his attributes, carrying a tiny Amida Buddha in his crown, and holding a bottle with the nectar of life in his left hand. The eleven-headed Guanyin, in particular, has his eyes and ears open in all directions to hear, see, and help all those who are in distress. The garment and jewelry of this graceful figure remind us that the historic Buddha Shakyamuni was originally an Indian prince before he reached enlightenment. Upon his death, he entered nirvana, an eternal state free of desire and suffering, outside the realm of birth, death, and rebirth.

The dating and attribution of the figure as being from China needs further study.
A carved wood statue depicts Eleven-Headed Guanyin standing on a dark rectangular base. The deity faces forward with downcast eyes and ten smaller heads stacked in tiers. Guanyin wears draped robes and elaborate, layered beaded jewelry across their torso. They hold a small vessel in their bent right hand while their left arm hangs at their side. Dark wood shows weathering with vertical cracks running through the face and body.

Eleven-Headed Guanyin

late 600s

China, Tang dynasty (618–907)

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