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Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
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Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
KOREA; Goryeo dynasty (918–1392); Ink and color on silk; 227.9 x 125.8 cm; Daitokuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
This painting of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, thought to have been done by a Korean court painter between late 13th and early 14th century, is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is one of the largest surviving Korean paintings of the Bodhisattva, second only to another picture of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara kept in Kagami Temple in Saga, Japan.
Avalokitesvara sits on a rocky outcrop above the sea. The left foot rests on a lotus that emerges from the water below. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress with an exquisitely painted transparent stole draped over top, a dhoti decorated with detailed patterns, a necklace, armlets, and bracelets. A vase holding a willow branch is placed in a bowl on a rock ledge beside the Bodhisattva. Sudhana stands on a lotus leaf in the lower right corner with his palms joined in reverence. On the lower left, figures hold out jewels as an offering to Avalokitesvara. Uniquely, there are ghosts carrying treasures painted in the center of the lower register. A bird carrying a flower in its beak is shown flying down from the upper left corner. The bamboo shoots and flowing stream in the background are typical of Goryeo depictions of Avalokitesvara. |
