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Guanyin the Bringer of Sons

late 16th century
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明　佚名　送子觀音圖　軸
  • Title: Guanyin the Bringer of Sons
  • Artist: Unidentified artist , late 16th century
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: late 16th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
  • Dimensions: Image: 47 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. (120.7 x 60.3 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 85 3/4 x 30 1/2 in. (217.8 x 77.5 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 85 3/4 x 33 1/4 in. (217.8 x 84.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.152
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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