Details

Object type

figure

Place Associated

China (place of manufacture)

Date

Song Dynasty, 12th century

Materials

wood, polychrome, clay, gypsum, calcium carbonate, gold, pigments

Dimensions

overall: 1320 mm x 720 mm x 500 mm 55000 g

Description

This wood statue is a portrayal of the Guanyin known as the ‘goddess of mercy and compassion’. Guanyin is the Chinese form of the Indian Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, who has attained the highest level of spirituality but remained on earth to help others. In Buddhist tradition, Guanyin hears and saves anyone who recites her name during a disaster. She remains the most famous figure in Buddhism in China, associated in particular with helping fishermen and pregnant women – fish being a symbol of fertility. Perhaps because of this, thousands of temples scattered along the coast of China are dedicated to Guanyin.

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944

Collection

Burrell Collection: Wood Carvings

ID Number

50.59

Location

Burrell Collection