Seated Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin)

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Tang dynasty, 618–907
Date: 8th century
Material: Bronze with gilding
from: China, Asia
Classification: Metalwork, sculpture
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 231
Dimensions: height: 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
width: 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
depth: 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
weight: 3 lb. 7 oz. (1.6 kg)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 36:1933

NOTES

This bodhisattva is depicted with a sympathetic demeanor expressed in the slight tilt of the head and the relaxed posture of “royal ease” (lalitsana). A bodhisattva is an enlightened being able to assist others in this world to attain enlightenment as well. Here, the bodhisattva wears an elaborate, flowing robe and a string of jewels. His right hand, in the gesture of charity, holds one of several ribbon-like scarves, while the left hand points downward. With a fullness of bodily form borrowed from classic Indian sculptural art of the Gupta period (320–550 CE), this object exemplifies the artistic ideal of high Tang style.

Provenance

Dr. Otto Burchard, Germany [1]

- 1933
Wells Objects of Art, Inc. (C. Edward Wells), New York, NY, USA

1933 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Wells Objects of Art, Inc. [2]

Notes:
[1] According to a handwritten letter from Langdon Warner (of the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University) to C. Edward Wells, dated August 1 (without specifying the year), the object (36:1933) had been sent by Dr. Otto Burchard to the Fogg Art Museum (evidently for consideration for acquisition by the Fogg Art Museum or the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri). In his letter, Mr. Warner noted that "neither Kansas City nor the Fogg can consider it." [SLAM document files]

[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 14, 1933.

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