Guanyin as the Protector of Mariners
Artist
He Chaozong
(Chinese, active ca. 1610 - 1620)
Dateearly 17th century
PeriodMing dynasty (1368–1644)
MediumDehua ware; porcelain with transparent glaze
Dimensions20 1/8 x 6 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (51.1 x 15.9 x 13.3 cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ira and Nancy Koger, 2001
Object numberSN11122.84
Dehua wares, also known by the nineteenth-century French term <i>blanc de Chine</i> (white from China), are white porcelains made in Dehua county in the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian. This porcelain sculpture represents Guanyin (Sanskrit: <i>Avalokitesvara</i>), a bodhisattva who embodies boundless compassion. Bodhisattva (literally “enlightened beings”) prolong their time in the mortal realm to help others overcome the obstacles toward enlightenment. Her elongated earlobes, three neck rolls, and <i>urna</i> (the radiant white curl of hair in the center of the forehead) indicate her sacred status. While a Buddha often wears humble attire, bodhisattva like Guanyin usually appear with jewelry, regal hairstyles, and crowns. Guanyin is one of the most widely worshiped Buddhist deities and is often revered as a protector of sailors, particularly in coastal areas like Dehua. Icons of this quality were likely made for wealthy patrons, and this one bears the seal of renowned figure modeler He Chaozong.
On View
On viewLocation
- Center for Asian Art, 3rd floor, Lobby, Case A
19th century
17th Century
19th century
late 17th century
17th century