Chinese
Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva, 960–1279, Song Dynasty
On view
Willow wood and pigment
Dimensions39 × 27 × 24 3/4 in. (99.1 × 68.6 × 62.9 cm)
Gift of Genevieve and Richard Shaw, by exchange, 2011.4
This sculpture most likely represents Guanyin, a popular bodhisattva closely associated with Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Buddhism based on faith. Believers hope to be reborn to the peaceful, beautiful and pure land where they are instructed by Amitābha Buddha and numerous bodhisattvas until they reach full and complete enlightenment. In order to do this, the Guanyin bodhisattva must descend from the Pure Land to save souls on earth. To indicate this flight, the artist has included wing-like extensions on the bodhisattva’s sleeves. The figure’s downcast eyes also indicate that it is descending from the sky.
