Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Ming dynasty

Although the inscription on the left attributes this painting to Qiu Ying, it is possibly an imitation, as the handwriting and the seal imprint do not appear original, and the lines in the image are slightly different than in other works by Qiu. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, supported by two blue lotuses, stands on a path of clouds that extends back into the distance. Avalokitesvara’s right hand holds a willow branch and the left hand holds a cup. A carefully painted stole is draped over the arms of the Bodhisattva and appears to flutter in the wind. The headdress, bracelets, ornaments, and the petals of the lotus pedestals are blue in color, making them stand out against the dull yellow background. A light red wash is applied to the dhoti.