Guanyin Figure
Artist
Chinese
DateQing Dynasty
Mediumrose quartz
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.56
DescriptionRose quartz figure holding a vase and a necklace, seated on the back of an open-jawed lion.Label TextOne of Three Guanyin Figures Rose quartz; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), 19th century Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.56 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
Not on view
Chinese
Late Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
