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Seated Guānyīn

 
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Title
Seated Guānyīn
Description
Wood-carved statue of Guānyīn, the bodhisattva of compassion, seated on a lotus blossom. Beneath the seated figure is carved a child (right), representing Guānyīn's role as the "bestower of sons" with the power to grant children. Mothers seeking to bear a son would pray to the figure of Guānyīn during the Ming dynastic period. (1368-1644 AD). Also beneath the figure is carved a dragon (left), representing the power to rescue people in peril.
Format Extent
1 wooden statue; 27 x 11.4 cm (10 5/8 x 4 1/2 in)
Subject
Avalokiteśvara (Buddhist deity); Buddhism; China--History--Ming dynasty, 1368-1644; Woodwork--Religious aspects
Note
Over time, the figure of Guānyīn transitioned from depictions as a male to female bodhisattva. This artifact was featured in the Loyola Marymount University gallery show entitled “The Color of God” in October 2003.
Collection
Jim and Jeanne Pieper Collection, AR-010, A608
Donor
Jim and Jeanne Pieper
Type
Keywords
Geographic Location
China
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