Water-Moon Avalokitesvara

KOREA; Joseon dynasty

An inscription on this artwork states that it was commissioned by Lady Yun. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sits in lotus position on a rock. The Bodhisattva wears a large headdress, a necklace, and a robe covered with finely detailed patterns. The raised right hand holds a flower; the left hand is lowered in front of the knees. A nimbus composed of a thin golden line surrounds the head. On the left, a vase containing a willow branch is placed on a rock. A Buddha image is painted within a round mandorla in the center of the upper register. The small figure of Sudhana stands in the lower left corner. The background is filled with rocks, vegetation, and clouds. Most of the picture is drawn with fine golden lines. The bodies of Avalokitesvara and Sudhana are filled in with gold, emphasizing their prominence.