Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. China, Ming Dynasty, 16th century

Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. China, Ming Dynasty, 16th century.
Coniferous wood carved and polychrome.
Presents restorations in arms and fingers.
Presents losses in the wood and polychrome.
Measurements: 103 x 100 x 55 cm.

This solemn sculpture represents the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, known in Chinese as Guanyin, the personification of compassion and one of the most venerated deities in all Asia. Avalokitesvara is depicted with the appearance of an ancient Indian prince (long hair adorned with jewels and dressed in a long robe), reminiscent of the historical Buddha, who was also a prince before renouncing his secular life in search of spiritual awakening.

In Buddhism, bodhisattvas are beings who have achieved sufficient merit to attain enlightenment, but who choose to remain in the earthly world to help other beings attain enlightenment.

From the 11th century in China, wood became the main material for large-scale Buddhist sculpture.