
- Guanyin
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Guanyin
- Object:
Figure of Guanyin
- Place of origin:
Shanxi (made)
- Date:
ca. 1200 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Wood, carved, painted, lacquered and gilded
- Credit Line:
Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee
- Museum number:
A.7-1935
- Gallery location:
China, Room 44, The T.T. Tsui Gallery, case 60
This graceful and serene sculpture depicts Guanyin, one of the most popular of all Bodhisattvas, whose name literally means 'the one who always hears sounds'. Known in China as 'the compassionate Bodhisattva', who listens to every prayer, Guanyin was often placed behind the main Buddha image in a temple. This figure was almost certainly made for a temple in Shaanxi province in northern China. Guanyin's altar surround probably took the form of a rocky grotto related to the throne of rocks he sits on. The fine carving and beautiful surface decoration lend the image its power, while the layers of pigment reveal interesting scientific and historical detail.