The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) approx. 1100 - 1200Asian Art Museum
Who Is The Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)?
The Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara is a bodhisattva of compassion. His Chinese name, Shuiyue Guanyin, refers to his pose, seated in contemplation of the moon’s reflection on the water (shuiyue), and his nature, attuned to the sounds of the world (guanyin). The reflection of the moon in the water refers to the Buddhist concept that everything in the world around us is ephemeral and illusory, and Guanyin has the ability to hear all the world’s suffering.
Of his thirty-three manifestations, Guanyin in his Water-Moon form is one of the most frequently represented by Chinese artists. His benevolence and often gentle appearance make Guanyin one of the most popular deities in China.
He is dressed as an Indian prince in a long, fluidly carved garment.
His chest is crisscrossed with sashes, scarves,
and delicately rendered jewels.
His right hand rests on a bent knee and the left extends in a gift-granting gesture . . .
as he gazes downwards.
Water-Moon Guanyin, ink and colours on paper (926/975)British Museum
In this painting, Guanyin sits on a rock by the water with the full moon behind him. A figure, possibly a loved one to whom the painting was dedicated, rises heavenward on a cloud. Many believed that Guanyin could guide souls to paradise.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) with willow sprig (approx. 800-900, Tang dynasty (618-907))Asian Art Museum
Guanyin’s Ambiguous Gender
Beginning in the middle of the Tang dynasty (618–907), portrayals of Guanyin often included delicate, soft modeling of his face, torso, and hands, leading to the bodhisattva being perceived of as female. Over time, features associated with masculinity, like a mustache, were no longer depicted, and by the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) a female form of the bodhisattva became popular.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) holding a boy (Ming dynasty (1368-1644))Asian Art Museum
In China, a form of Guanyin known as the “giver of sons” came to be worshiped by mothers and hopeful mothers. Starting in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), small figurines of Guanyin cradling or bestowing blessings on a child were made for altars in homes and temples in great numbers.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) approx. 1100 - 1200Asian Art Museum
Guanyin In Context
This Guanyin likely once sat on a rocky base surrounded by richly illustrated murals and gilded statues on an altar at a Buddhist monastery, where worshipers could see him gazing down at them from above.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) approx. 1100 - 1200Asian Art Museum
Revelations Through Conservation
A storage space at the back of this statue (called zhuangzang) was added to store consecration materials. Its original rectangular lid is missing.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) approx. 1100 - 1200Asian Art Museum
The holes under the base may have been cut to reduce the likelihood that the wood would crack or to lower the sculpture’s total weight.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) approx. 1100 - 1200 These X-rays reveal the wooden pegs and ancient and modern nails in the shoulder of this sculpture.Asian Art Museum
Guanyin’s Conservation and Coloration
Although it had been heavily repaired, this wooden statue has survived nearly a thousand years. This X-ray reveals the wooden pegs and ancient and modern nails in the shoulder of the sculpture.
The pegs likely joined the various pieces of wood of which the figure is composed.
The ancient and modern nails were used to reattach the arm after it was broken off.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) approx. 1100 - 1200Asian Art Museum
Through recent examination of the red, green, and white pigments on the statue, conservators have concluded that it was painted multiple times throughout its lifespan.
The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin) approx. 1100 - 1200Asian Art Museum
Gilding is visible on the left upper eyelid and eyebrow. Questions about this object remain and research continues.
Seated thousand-armed bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) Seated thousand-armed bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) (approx. 1600-1700, Ming dynasty (1368–1644) or later)Asian Art Museum
Avalokiteshvaras Abound
Discover additional incarnations of Avalokiteshvara throughout the Asian Art Museum's collection—from South Asia to Japan. Don’t miss the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, which is stylistically like Tibetan Buddhist depictions of this compassionate bodhisattva.
Masterpiece presentation made possible with the generous support of Geoff and Amy Yang.
