DENISE LEIDY: So we know because of the small Buddha seated in the headdress of the figure that this is the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of the virtue of compassion.

CARRIE BARRATT: Curator Denise Leidy.

DENISE LEIDY: And in China, beginning in the tenth century, Avalokiteshvara and the underlying promise of compassion or salvation that's associated with this particular divinity in Buddhism, becomes more and more popular. And as is often the case in Buddhist art, takes more and more manifestations. This particular manifestation, where the Bodhisattva is seated in a posture of relaxation or ease is typical of representations of Avalokiteshvara seated at his personal paradise or Pure Land.

CARRIE BARRATT: The practice Pure Land Buddhism stresses devotion and faith as a means to enlightenment, as opposed to Chan or Zen Buddhism, which features meditation and mindfulness. Both traditions became popular in China between the fourth and tenth centuries.

Many Chinese sculptures are carved from a single block of wood, but this one features several pieces joined together by wooden dowels and iron nails. To hear conservator Donna Strahan and Curator Denise Leidy discuss further, press play.