Child-Granting Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Ming dynasty

The Bodhisattva is depicted holding a child while sitting on a lotus throne. Avalokitesvara holds the child with both hands, while the child holds an ingot and a pen. This is an allusion to a passage in the Lotus Sutra referring to the Bodhisattva fulfilling people’s desire for children. The objects held by the child show the interest in wealth and power during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
The Bodhisattva’s headdress features a Buddha image and is covered by a scarf with decorated borders as are often seen on Ming dynasty sculptures. The Bodhisattva wears a few pieces of jewelry but is otherwise modestly dressed in a long robe with a foliated design along the edges.
The hexagonal base is decorated with wave-like patterns and an ornamental balustrade. The narrow supporting column creates the impression that the Bodhisattva is sitting on a floating lotus.