Child-Granting Avalokitesvara
Ink and color on paper
Child-Granting Avalokitesvara
CHINA; Ming dynasty
In the “Universal Gateway Chapter” of the Lotus Sutra, it is written that women hoping for a child should pray to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. In this unique painting, Avalokitesvara, depicted as a woman holding a small child and a willow branch, wears a robe composed of the text of the “Universal Gateway Chapter” written in small Chinese characters. The robe still has a natural, flowing appearance, a testament to the skill of the artist. Avalokitesvara has long, dark hair carefully braided into small knots. The face is round with a peaceful expression. The child has a wise appearance and holds a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman). Numerous collectors’ seals are imprinted on the sides of the upper register.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting A-H, page 147.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Youlu and Wilson, Graham and Manho and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting A-H},
pages = 147,
title = {{Child-Granting Avalokitesvara}},
volume = 14,
year = {2016}}