Avalokiteshvara

late 9th–early 10th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

In this print the bodhisattva holds a willow branch, symbol of healing, in his right hand and a flask of pure water in his left. He stands on a lotus pedestal atop a hexagonal base that symbolizes Mount Sumeru, the center of the Buddhist universe. The caption includes the instruction: “With pure heart, every morning, recite [the bodhisattva’s name] one thousand times.” The woodblock has been carved with borders that resemble the mounting silks of a hanging scroll.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Shengguan zizai pusa
Title: Avalokiteshvara
Period: late Tang (618–907) or early Five Dynasties (907–960)
Date: late 9th–early 10th century
Culture: China
Medium:
Woodblock print, ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 11 13/16 x 3 3/4 in. (30 x 9.6 cm)
Overall: 21 15/16 x 15 15/16 in. (55.7 x 40.5 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: On loan from the British Museum
Curatorial Department: Asian Art