The Greatly Merciful, Greatly Compassionate Rescuer from Suffering, Bodhisattva Guanyin

Lei Yanmei Chinese

Not on view

This humble image of Guanyin is a rare survival from the early days of printing in China. It was commissioned by Cao Yuanzhong, ruler of Dunhuang, the oasis town in western China that was the final stopping point for Silk Road travelers before the arid horrors of the Taklamakan desert. This print was one of many Buddhist artworks commissioned by Cao to aid travelers to and from Dunhuang. The text, which identifies Guanyin as “Greatly Merciful, Greatly Compassionate Rescuer from Suffering,” calls upon the deity to bring an end to war and disease and to watch over the highways in and out of the oasis.

The Greatly Merciful, Greatly Compassionate Rescuer from Suffering, Bodhisattva Guanyin, Lei Yanmei (Chinese, 10th century), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, China

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.