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Bodhisattva, probably Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)

ca. 550–560
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 206
Large-scale figures of bodhisattvas wearing sumptuous jewelry epitomize stylistic and iconographic innovations in Chinese sculpture from the second half of the sixth century. The lavishly jeweled harness adorning this bodhisattva is made of two long strands of pearl-like clusters and multifaceted beads. Some elements, such as the triangular pendants and the monster mask, have Chinese precedents, whereas others, such as the pearl cabochons, derive from Central Asian traditions. The appearance of such ornately decorated sculptures, which later became standard in Chinese Buddhist art, attests to a growing devotion to Avalokiteshvara in the second half of the sixth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 北齊 彩繪石雕觀音菩薩像
  • Title: Bodhisattva, probably Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)
  • Period: Northern Qi dynasty (550–577)
  • Date: ca. 550–560
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Sandstone with pigment
  • Dimensions: H. 13 ft. 9 in. (419.1 cm); H. with base 14 ft. 9 in. (449.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Sackler Collections, Purchase, The Sackler Fund, 1965
  • Object Number: 65.29.4
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 119. Bodhisattva, probably Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)

119. Bodhisattva, probably Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)

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