Bodhisattva Guanyin
Figure
1115-1234 (made)
1115-1234 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This figure sits in a posture of relaxation, often called 'Royal Ease', deemed fitting for Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and royalty. The large mark between his eyebrows, the long earlobes and the headdress are all signs of his high standing and spiritual advancement. Like other depictions of Guanyin, he wears a diadem featuring the Buddha Amitabha. He looks down, with a detached air, expressing a state of meditation.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Bodhisattva Guanyin (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | wood with traces of pigment and gilding |
Brief description | China; Sculpture; Bodhisattva Guanyin; wood; Jin dynasty, 1115-1234 |
Physical description | Sculpture of a seated bodhisattva, with an image of the Buddha in his headdress. He has huge earlobes and wears his hear in a bun. His right hand is missing, and he has three fingers on his left hand. Gold and green colouring is still visible on the wooden surface. He is sitting in a resting posture, with his right knee against the floor and his left foot on the floor, with his bent knee supporting his left arm. The paint is flakey but you can see the remains of an embossed pattern, for example, on the left knee. |
Dimensions |
|
Style | |
Gallery label | The Bodhisattva Guanyin
About 1115-1234 (Jin dynasty)
China
This figure sits in a posture of relaxation, often called 'Royal Ease', deemed fitting for Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and royalty. The large mark between his eyebrows, the long earlobes and the headdress are all signs of his high standing and spiritual advancement. Like other depictions of Guanyin, he wears a diadem featuring the Buddha Amitabha. He looks down, with a detached air, expressing a state of meditation. [76 words]
Wood with traces of pigment and gilded
Museum no. A.173-1929
Gift of Rt. Hon. Lord Ivor Churchill through The Art Fund |
Credit line | Gift of Rt.Hon. Lord Ivor Churchill through Art Fund |
Object history | When this sculpture came into the museum there was debate over whether the missing right hand should be restored, but it was decided to leave it as found. |
Production | Date is approximate |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This figure sits in a posture of relaxation, often called 'Royal Ease', deemed fitting for Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and royalty. The large mark between his eyebrows, the long earlobes and the headdress are all signs of his high standing and spiritual advancement. Like other depictions of Guanyin, he wears a diadem featuring the Buddha Amitabha. He looks down, with a detached air, expressing a state of meditation. |
Collection | |
Accession number | A.173-1929 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | January 23, 2007 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest