Standing Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avolokiteshvara)

Known in Chinese as Guanyin, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is one of the most revered Buddhist deities who reached enlightenment but remains in the human world to aid in the salvation of all mortals. Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of the virtue of compassion and usually identified by a small seated Buddha depicted within his headdress. He was represented in different manifestations throughout Asia. Guanyin is often portrayed with pronounced feminine features. Here Guanyin is presented with a vase in the left hand. It is said that Guanyin sprinkles supplicants with water or amrita to heal the devotees. The figure looks still and composed, whereas the swaying sleeves suggest a sense of flowing movement.