Bodhisattva Guanyin
Bodhisattva Guanyin; 11th/12th century A.D.; Polychromed Wood; Chinese;
Shanxi Province; Liao Dynasty (A.D. 907-1125)
The Bodhisattva Guanyin, the Chinese Buddhist deity of compassion and mercy, here is seated in the posture of royal ease on a simulated outcropping of craggy, perforated rock. The position of the Guanyin conveys the impression that the Bodhisattva might at any moment awake from a state of deep contemplation and step down from the carved lotus rest. The Bodhisattva's worldly ornaments, such as the high tiara and rich necklaces in sumptuous detail, contrast with the more plain image of the Buddha, whose markings indicate ethereal status. The soft skin, contour of the of the body, and beguiling charm of the smile create an aura of pathos.
Info source: www.nelson-atkins.org/collections/asian/detail/bodhisat.htm
Comments and faves
blueturtle, kelly_roadhouse, Sankt Andreas, bansidhe, and 19 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Jennifer Bassie (90 months ago | reply)
one of my favorites at the museum--found on an island, I think, in a grotto-like area.
iamunknown_wiki (62 months ago | reply)
What a beautiful image, you must proud that you photographed it. :-) Would you be willing to license it under a Creative Commons license that permits unrestricted commercial reuse and derivative works? I'd love to use the image on Wikipedia, there are several articles where it could be used.
Trinity (62 months ago | reply)
I've changed the license on this one for you.
iamunknown_wiki (62 months ago | reply)
I uploaded the image to the Wikimedia Commons (Liao Dynasty - Guan Yin statue); it is currently being used in six articles on the English-language Wikipedia including Song Dynasty, Sculpture and Bodhisattva. I'm sure other Wikimedia projects will love to use it as well! Thank you very much for licensing it under a free license so that it may be used and enjoyed by all!
chico945 (62 months ago | reply)
Please post to elegance in art, graphics and design. Thanks!
Robin3388 (61 months ago | reply)
beautiful indeed
Magpie Birdy (58 months ago | reply)
Howdy, Trinity. I happened on your photo of Guanyin as I searched for info about Edmund Hillary...you know how one thing leads to another, and here I am. I first opened a page with your image and thought it looked like "my Guanyin," and, sure enough, it is! I've sat at the feet of this incredible Bodhisattva since the age of five. I grew up in KC and moved to Springfield at 35. Every visit back, I try to visit with my beloved Guanyin, sitting silently before it to inhale the stillness, beauty and strength it represents. Thank you for uploading it. What a wonderful, unexpected find.
Best,
Jan
johnmcochran (55 months ago | reply)
I was interested to read the comments from Magpie Birdy ...
I also grew up in K.C., and from the age of 11 or so, when I went to school near the Nelson, I would regularly walk up to the museum in the afternoons to sit with this statue. I make a little pilgrimage to visit Guanyin every time I return home.
I have another photo of this statue here on my desk.
John C.
Washington, D.C.
Khnum-hotep (53 months ago | reply)
Fascinating. Beautiful.
designldg (52 months ago | reply)
It's a beautiful image with this background which is so peaceful.
Namaste,
Your photo is a fusion of Indo-Western ideas and styles, it would be inspiring to have it added to the pool and to have you as a member at:
India Song Group
Healed By Art [deleted] (43 months ago | reply)
beautiful.
ziji (29 months ago | reply)
Hi, Trinity.
Unfettered Mind is planning to turn its Seven Points of Mind Training from its website into an iPhone app, and would like to use your Guanyin. I see that the CC license says it must be attributed in the manner specified, but I cannot find any specification. What might that be?
Thanks!
Deborah
Eddi van W. (28 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Creative Commons- Free Pictures, and we'd love to have this added to the group!