Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Ming dynasty

Painted by Wang Fu two years before his death, this painting portrays Sudhana’s visit to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The serene Avalokitesvara sits in full lotus position on a mat of leaves beside the sea. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress and a flowing robe. A vase holding a willow branch rests on the rocks on the left. Sudhana stands on the right, joining his palms to pay respect to Avalokitesvara. Bamboo and rocks are painted on the right, and the calm sea extends into the distance on the left, merging with the clouds depicted above.
Several collector’s seals are stamped in the corners. Wang is well known for his paintings of landscapes, rocks and bamboo. Naturally, the landscape in this painting is skillfully depicted with a restrained yet evocative technique.