Guanyin of the South Sea (Nanhai Guanyin)
CultureChinese | Yuan Dynasty
Date1279-1368
MediumWood and polychrome (wood with gold and pigments over white gesso ground)
Dimensions55 x 29 x 24 in. (139.7 x 73.7 x 61 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase, Membership Fund
Object number44.11.8
Collections
On View
On viewLabel TextGuanyin of the South Sea (Nanhai Guanyin) Chinese, Yuan Dynasty, 1271–1368 C.E. Wood and polychrome Museum purchase, Membership Fund 44.11.8 As a manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Guanyin is a fully enlightened being who helps worshipers attain their own enlightenment. Here she perches atop a rocky pedestal, which represents her mountain island home. Because of her association with the sea, sailors and seafarers especially revere her and look to her when in need. Her soft smile expresses her sympathy and support, while her casually draped silk robes and jewelry suggest her relaxed and gentle nature. ProvenanceThe piece was purchased in 1944 using the Museum Membership Purchase Fund. It was purchased at auction, lot number 783 of Alien Property Custodian Sale of Yamanaka & Co. at Parke-Bernet in New York, June 1944.Published References_Alien Property Custodain Sale of Yamanaka & C0._, Part 1 (NY: Parke Bernet, June 1944), No. 783, Ill. p. 152.
Unknown
10th century A.D.
