Guanyin. China, Qing Dynasty, 18th century

Guanyin. China, Qing Dynasty (ca.1644-1911), XVIII century
Sculpture in carved and polychrome wood.
Measurements: 29 x 23 x 15 cm.

Polychrome wood carving representing the bodhisattva of compassion GuanYin. She is lying on a large fruit bark in the form of a boat that supports her body. She wears sumptuous robes and her face radiates serenity.

GuanYin is venerated by the Buddhists of East Asia. As a result of syncretism, it is commonly accepted that her figure is the female counterpart of Avalokitesvara, the Hindu bodhisattva of compassion. The first Buddhist monk who referred to Guanyin in feminine form was Kumarajiva, when translating the Lotus Sutra into Chinese in 406 AD. With the introduction of Vajrayana Buddhism in China during the Tang dynasty, in the VIII century, the representation of Avalokitesvara as a beautiful female figure grew in popularity.

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