Guanyin in the University of Pennsylvania Museum, November 2009

Guanyin
China
Wood overlaid with gesso, coloring and gilt
Jin Dynasty (AD 1115-1234) or Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279-1368)

# C408

Guanyin (Chinese) or Avalokitesvara (Sanskrit), is the bodhisattava of compassion. During the development of Buddhism in China, popular Chinese elements fused with Buddhist tradition. Guanyin images became more feminine after the 10th century. Guanyin eventually combined with a Chinese goddess into a deity associated with fertility and compassion.

Successive layers of gesso and coloring indicate the Guanyin may have been restored several times. Traditionally, the repainting of a Buddhist image would have been not only to improve appearance but also to accrue merit in hopes of an enhanced rebirth for the donor.

Text from the U. Penn. Museum label