Artwork Page for Bodhisattva Guanyin

Details / Information for Bodhisattva Guanyin

Bodhisattva Guanyin

觀音菩薩

900s

China, Liao dynasty

(916-1125)
Medium
gilt bronze
Measurements
Overall: 43.8 cm (17 1/4 in.); Diameter of base: 14.6 cm (5 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 1976.14
Public Domain
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Location
241C Chinese Buddhist Sculptures
Print
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Did You Know?

The Liao rulers were devout Buddhists who commissioned substantial religious projects.

Description

In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a being who, just before reaching enlightenment, turns back to assist others to reach enlightenment first. This bodhisattva holds his hand palm forward, in a gesture that tells followers not to fear. In his other hand he carries a bottle that holds the elixir of immortality.
A gilt bronze sculpture depicts the standing Bodhisattva Guanyin, a deity figure with a tall floral crown and downcast eyes. They stand on a tiered lotus pedestal, wearing layered robes and long sashes. Guanyin holds their right hand up, palm facing forward, and holds a small vessel in their left hand. Flakes of the gilding have worn away to reveal the dark bronze underneath, particularly on the deity's face and torso.

Bodhisattva Guanyin

900s

China, Liao dynasty (916-1125)

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