"Guanyin" (Mercy) - Telloglion Museum

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“Guanyin” (Mercy)

Artist

Unknown artist

Date

19th-20th century

Technique

Porcelain

Dimensions

38 x 20 x 12 cm

Provenance

Δωρεά Αλίκης και Νέστορα Τέλλογλου

Object Number

1999.670

Description

Guanyin figurine, bodhisattva associated with compassion. Guanyin means she who perceives the sounds of the world. THE Jesuit missionaries in China called her a deity of mercy. Guanyin translates the Sanskrit name Avalokitesvara, which was masculine and means “The Lord who looks down with compassion.” It sits on a base of blooming lotus. Appears with this iconography from the 16th century in provinces of N.A. China. The many hands with the precious objects (bell, wheel, etc.) symbolize the many blessings in the Buddhist religion. At the base a square with four ideograms.

Keywords

19th - 20th century
Chinese Art
Mythology