Guanyin Temple Avalokitesvara Hall: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Ming dynasty

The Three Great Bodhisattvas are located on the back of the screen wall at the rear of Avalokitesvara Hall. Each Bodhisattva is depicted at their sacred mountain, within their own setting. Avalokitesvara is crossing the sea at Putuoshan, a setting that is uniquely associated with the Bodhisattva and is often referred to as Avalokitesvara Crossing the Sea. The figure stands on the neck of a sea monster emerging from the waves, holding a vase in the left hand, while the other hand is raised in the lotus mudra. The Bodhisattva wears an intricate openwork headdress. The figure’s robes are blown to one side in elegant confusion by the imaginary wind. Small figures of Arhats riding serenely on sea beasts between the foaming crests of the waves.