The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), 1100-1200. China. Wood (paulownia) with pigments. Asian Art Museum, The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S24+. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Seated in the pose of “royal ease,” this deity is known as the “Water-Moon Guanyin” (Shuiyue Guanyin). He was thought to reside on an isolated isle named Potalaka in the mythical South Sea, where he sat and contemplated the moon’s reflection in the water. The reflection refers to the illusory and temporal nature of all phenomena in the human world. The finest sculptural works of the Song dynasty were carved out of wood and covered with gesso, pigments, and gold. Here, Avalokiteshvara is dressed as an Indian prince in a fluid garment with crossed sashes, scarves, and a necklace on his bare chest. He rests one hand on his knee and lifts the other in a gift-granting gesture. Showing a confident calmness, this deity fluidly presents his mercy over the suffering of humans and efficaciously consoles the souls of his devotees.
Comments