Yangzhou: Lotus Leaf Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Jiangsu, Yangzhou; Qing dynasty

This unique image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is a rubbing of a stone carving. It was kept in a small temple in Yangzhou. Avalokitesvara has a rounded face with an urna between the eyebrows. The Bodhisattva sits serenely upon a large lotus leaf and is almost completely covered by smaller lotus leaves. The two hands rest in front of the chest, supporting a vase containing a willow branch. The inscription by Shitao in the upper right corner dates from 1566. On the lower right corner, there is another inscription by Shitao which identifies this figure as “Lotus Leaf Avalokitesvara.” The inscription dates from 1741 and carries the signatures of the engravers Nan Luyue and Zhitang. Elegant, varied stone cuts accurately convey both the texture of the leaves and the smooth face of the figure.