Water-Moon Avalokitesvara

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

During the Joseon dynasty (918–1392), paintings of Bodhisattvas were commissioned to cultivate merit and blessings, pray for prosperity and peace for the nation, and to wish for longevity and health for one’s family. Because so many of these paintings were produced, the artworks became increasingly elegant as techniques became more and more refined. Due to the popularity of the Avatamsaka Sutra at the time, many of the pictures were based on descriptions in the “Gandavyuha Chapter” that tells of Sudhana’s quest for enlightenment and his visits with numerous Bodhisattvas. This picture, painted during the 14th century, depicts Sudhana meeting Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva at Mount Potalaka. It was listed as Treasure No. 926 in 1987.
Avalokitesvara sits in half lotus position upon rocks near the edge of a pond, wearing a headdress decorated with Buddha images covered with a transparent stole that hangs down over the shoulders. The Bodhisattva, gazing downwards with a peaceful expression, is adorned with a necklace and bracelets. The robe is decorated with elegant circular patterning; the collar and cuffs are embellished with scrolling patterns. There is a vase containing a willow branch on the left beside the Bodhisattva. Sudhana, with palms joined in reverence, stands in the lower left corner. He is tiny compared to the towering, majestic Bodhisattva. The picture is painted with delicate brushstrokes and is colored in vermilion, cyan, green, and gold.