Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA. Anonymous Gift
1988.2.27 (A,B)
Guanyin Statuette
Amber, Wood, Silver
Carving;Inlay
Sculptures
0 in L
x
2.376 in W
x
2.75 in H
x
1.25 in D
(Object)
Notes: Base Size
Notes: Base Size
Chinese
Kuan Yin is a Bodhisattva who became well known in china after the 5th century A.D. Until the late T'ang (618-907 A.D.) and early Sung dynasties (907-1279 A.D.) Kuan Yin was portrayed as a male fiure, frequently with a mustache, sometimes with eight or eleven heads, and with 1,000 eyes and hands to better see and save all suffering creatures. From these representations, the deity has become known as the God of Mercy. -- from exhibition label With the introduction of the Tantric sutras, the third and final interpretation of the Buddha's teachings, in the eight century A.D., the portrayal of Kuan Yin changed from male to female and Kuan Yin was thereafter clad in white. Because Kuan Yin is lord of the realm of the womb, she is often called Giver of Children. It is said that women who pray to Kuan Yin with reverence and respect will bear a son endowed with blessings, virtues, and wisdom.
Guanyin is a Bodhisattva, whose name means "the one who hears the cries of the world." Popular in China during the 5th century however not depicted as a female until the 8th century. Usually shown in white and holding a child, she is worshipped by those wishing for children. Amber is often found in the Chinese province of Yunnan and is often a symbol of courage.
From display window exhibition label, unspecified author.
Kuan Yin is a Bodhisattva who became well known in china after the 5th century A.D. Until the late T'ang (618-907 A.D.) and early Sung dynasties (907-1279 A.D.) Kuan Yin was portrayed as a male fiure, frequently with a mustache, sometimes with eight or eleven heads, and with 1,000 eyes and hands to better see and save all suffering creatures. From these representations, the deity has become known as the God of Mercy.
-- from exhibition label
With the introduction of the Tantric sutras, the third and final interpretation of the Buddha's teachings, in the eight century A.D., the portrayal of Kuan Yin changed from male to female and Kuan Yin was thereafter clad in white.
Because Kuan Yin is lord of the realm of the womb, she is often called Giver of Children. It is said that women who pray to Kuan Yin with reverence and respect will bear a son endowed with blessings, virtues, and wisdom.
From display window exhibition label, unspecified author.
Kuan Yin is a Bodhisattva who became well known in china after the 5th century A.D. Until the late T'ang (618-907 A.D.) and early Sung dynasties (907-1279 A.D.) Kuan Yin was portrayed as a male fiure, frequently with a mustache, sometimes with eight or eleven heads, and with 1,000 eyes and hands to better see and save all suffering creatures. From these representations, the deity has become known as the God of Mercy.
-- from exhibition label
With the introduction of the Tantric sutras, the third and final interpretation of the Buddha's teachings, in the eight century A.D., the portrayal of Kuan Yin changed from male to female and Kuan Yin was thereafter clad in white.
Because Kuan Yin is lord of the realm of the womb, she is often called Giver of Children. It is said that women who pray to Kuan Yin with reverence and respect will bear a son endowed with blessings, virtues, and wisdom.
In Collection
Anonymous Gift (see Notes)
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