Guanyin
Artist
Chinese
Datefirst half of fthe 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumpale green nephrite
Dimensions14.6 cm (5 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.71
Descriptionfigure carrying lantern in right handLabel TextOne of Three Guanyin FiguresNephrite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), first half of the 18th century
Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.71
Guanyin (Avalokitesvara; "the one who listens to the world") is the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened deity who abstained from entering Nirvana in order help suffering mortals. Early Chinese depictions showed Guanyin as a male figure. By the 12th-13th century Guanyin had been transformed into a beautiful bare-footed woman, often shown with head covering, rosary and a vial filled with tears of mercy or a vessel with a lotus design (signifying her ability to help believers conceive sons). Guanyin is occasionally portrayed seated on a Buddhist lion to symbolize her dominance over the powers of nature, and/or with her left hand raised in the gesture for warding-off evil. Amitabha, the Buddha of Boundless Light who presides over the Western Paradise, is sometimes also shown as an image in Guanyin's diadem.
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 0001
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th–early 19th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)