明 佚名 送子觀音圖 軸|Guanyin the Bringer of Sons

Unidentified artist

late 16th century · Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk · Asian Art

A rare example of ecclesiastical painting from the end of the Ming period, this richly colored painting presents Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit), the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, in a peculiarly Chinese manifestation as the provider of male offspring. Guanyin is seated on a lion (a symbol of royalty in India), descending toward the worshiper on a plume of clouds while holding a baby in his arms. The child is girded by a jewel-encrusted belt and holds an imposing seal, both emblems of high official rank. Below him is the adoring figure of Sudhana, the young boy whose auspicious birth enabled him to set forth immediately on a quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Artist

Unidentified artist

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 1989