Bodhisattva with Twelve Attendants
Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Ming
Date: 17th century
Place made:China
General region:Asia
Medium: Ink, colors, and gold on silk
Dimensions:
Overall (with mounting): 35 3/4 in. (90.8 cm)
width: 26 5/8 in. (67.6 cm)
Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Mary Elizabeth Droste
Object number: 2015.23.1
Label Text
Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is identified by the miniature Amitabha Buddha on her crown. She wears a green headcover, a red robe and sits on a lotus throne. She holds a vase containing nectar and a willow branch, which are believed to ward off evil and bestow healing. Twelve celestial maidens standing on lotuses attend her and present a variety of objects—coral branch, lotus basket, sutra, incense burner, sword, wine cup—associated with spiritual power and devotion. The use of gold pigment creates a sense of otherworldliness and enhances the painting’s religious efficacy.
Worship of Guanyin rose in popularity during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). As an enlightened being who delayed nirvana to save those who suffered, Guanyin almost became a household deity. People worship her for health, fertility, promotion, and even business success. The figures’ disproportionately large heads and elongated, narrow-shouldered bodies are characteristic of late Ming dynasty figure paintings.
Worship of Guanyin rose in popularity during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). As an enlightened being who delayed nirvana to save those who suffered, Guanyin almost became a household deity. People worship her for health, fertility, promotion, and even business success. The figures’ disproportionately large heads and elongated, narrow-shouldered bodies are characteristic of late Ming dynasty figure paintings.
Not on view
In Collection(s)
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
