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GUAN-YIN, Chinese

Song Dynasty 960-1279, AD
Polychromed wood
Museum Membership Purchase

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Guan-yin (Kuan Yin) is the Buddhist personification of mercy in China. Although she may be unknown to most Westerners, Guan-yin has been a familiar religious figure in many Far Eastern countries for centuries. It is therefore important to place her within the context of Buddhism, one of the world's great religions.

Based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, an Indian prince whose ideas first gained popularity in the sixth century BC, Buddhism encourages its followers to give up worldly pleasures in order to achieve "nirvana" or perfect peace. This goal can only be achieved through meditation, charity, kind words, and good deeds on behalf of all people. Over the centuries, Buddhist beliefs have incorporated a variety of attendants called Bodhisattva to assist the Buddha; many of these mythological personalities have been given divine status. Guan-yin is one of these personalities.

Close examination of this serene wooden sculpture will reveal many details that underscore the softness and compassionate demeanor that contributed to her popularity. These details include elaborately styled hair, heavily lidded eyes, long earlobes, and a soft, fleshy body adorned with elegant jewelry and clothing.

Visitors frequently ask questions about this sculpture, such as: Is this a man or a woman? What does the name mean? What is it made of? How old is it? How or where would it have been used? Is the pose of special significance? What is the figure sitting on?

Is this a man or a woman?

Until approximately 1000 years ago, Guan-Yin was represented as a man; scholars continue to debate the exact century. Originating in India as an eleven headed, multi-armed male Bodhisattva, he was referred to by his Sanskrit name, Avalokitesvara. As Buddhist ideas spread from India to neighboring Tibet, Avalokitesvara became the patron saint of Tibetan Buddhism, and is currently believed to be incarnated in the person of the living Dali Lama. From Tibet, this compassionate deity was introduced into China around 60 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, becoming popular during the T'ang Dynasty (618-907 AD), a period of religious tolerance. During this time, the god was identified with an ancient Chinese mother-goddess, which explains why Guan-yin is considered able to bring children to barren couples. Images of Avalokitesvara in India and Tibet had emphasized the Indian concepts of beauty, including a soft, feminized body and well developed breasts. It is probably for this reason that Chinese artists depicted Guan-yin as a woman. Also, one Buddhist point of view held that the deity is neither male or female, having transcended all references to the secular world, including sexual distinctions.

What does the name Guan-yin mean?

When the name Avalokitesvara was translated from Sanskrit into Chinese it became Guan-yin or "he who listens to the sounds of the world".

What is the sculpture made of?

Carved from wood, the sculpture was originally covered with a thin coat of gesso (fine plaster and glue) which prevented the brilliant paint and gilding (gold) from being absorbed into the wood. Over time, portions of the decorated surface have worn away, revealing the wood underneath.

How old is the sculpture?

Guan-yin was carved during the Song Dynasty, which occurred between 700 and 1000 years ago. This Dynasty lasted over 300 years, ending when Genghis Khan invaded China in 1279 AD.

How or where would the sculpture have been used?

In China, sculptures of Guan-yin are traditionally found in the second hall of Buddhist monasteries. Placed on a special altar, they were shown in conjunction with the Great Buddha. Sculptures of Guan-yin are also found in Chinese Buddhist temples.

Is the pose of special significance?

Guan-yin is seated in a pose of relaxed confidence. Of special importance is the extended right hand with the thumb and middle finger lightly touching in a symbolic gesture (mudra) of teaching and explanation.

What is the figure sitting on?

Guan-yin is seated upon a low, painted and carved base that could refer to the petals of a lotus blossom.

Now that you are familiar with some of the characteristics of the Chinese goddess of mercy, you might enjoy visiting the Asian Art Galleries at the Chrysler Museum of Art to find four other images of Guan-yin that date from different dynasties and have been created in a variety of sizes and materials.

-- Ann Dearsley Vernon

RESOURCES

Eberhard, Wolfram. A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols: Hidden Symbols in Chinese Life and Thought. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, Ltd., 1991.

Paludan, Ann. Chronicle of the Chinese Emperors. London: Thames and Hudson. Ltd, 1998.

Williams, C.A.S. Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives. New York: Dover Publications, 1976.

Registrar's files and correspondence of Dr. Glenn D. Lowry, Director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, 1988.

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