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Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
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Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
CHINA; Yuan dynasty (1271–1368); Attributed to Yan Hui; Ink on silk; 111.2 x 76.2 cm; Nelson–Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
This image of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara was first painted by the Tang dynasty (618-907) artist Zhou Fang. It was later imitated by several other artists; this Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) version is attributed to Yan Hui. Historical records praise Yan for his outstanding portrayals of Avalokitesvara with delicate brushstrokes and elegant colors as evident in this artwork.
Water-Moon Avalokitesvara, one of the Thirty-Three Manifestations of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, is usually depicted sitting on a rock beside the sea, backed by a large, moon-like nimbus. In this painting, Avalokitesvara has a rounded face with a serene expression. The hooded robe partially covers a headdress with a Buddha image in the center, and falls in elegant folds down past the feet. The hands of the Bodhisattva are clasped around the raised right knee. A blue glass container holding a vase with a willow branch inside rests on the left beside Avalokitesvara. Gentle waves roll past below the rock. In the upper register, pine trees cling to a steep cliff, and a waterfall cascades down to the sea. |
