Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)

Gilt bronze bodhisattva, possibly Guanyin. The deity, whose body is tall and slender, sits in a posture of royal ease on an abstracted floral support, which is inserted into a square base. The front side of the base features an open cut out with cusped edge along the top; the other three sides are open without a bottem runner. The figure’s halo comes to a sharp, flamelike point and features open cut outs and either side of the deity’s head.

Historical period(s)
Tang dynasty, 618-907
Medium
Bronze with gilding
Dimensions
H x W x D: 13.5 x 4 x 2.4 cm (5 5/16 x 1 9/16 x 15/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
The Dr. Paul Singer Collection of Chinese Art of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; a joint gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, Paul Singer, the AMS Foundation for the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities, and the Children of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2012.9.4487
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Sculpture
Type

Figure

Keywords
bodhisattva, Buddhism, China, flower, Guanyin, Paul Singer collection, Tang dynasty (618 - 907)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Gilt bronze bodhisattva, possibly Guanyin. The deity, whose body is tall and slender, sits in a posture of royal ease on an abstracted floral support, which is inserted into a square base. The front side of the base features an open cut out with cusped edge along the top; the other three sides are open without a bottem runner. The figure's halo comes to a sharp, flamelike point and features open cut outs and either side of the deity's head.

Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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