Coral Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara)

As the most widely worshiped bodhisattva, Guanyin is the Chinese form of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Buddhism originating in India. This coral carving of Guanyin is rendered as a slender and graceful lady. Standing elegantly, she grasps the sash in her left hand and raises her right hand in Karana mudra, a hand gesture performed by touching the tips of the thumb and the middle finger. This gesture signifies the warding off evil and removing sickness. Guanyin is featured with princely garments and jewelry adornments, an indication of the bodhisattva’s continued presence in the secular world to help others reach enlightenment. Her eyes are contemplatively downcast, giving her face a pensive expression. Her hair is pulled in a high chignon. The rippling garments and downward flowing sash convey a powerful sense of movement.