Avalokitesvara as Wife of Ma Lang

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

The Record of the Manifest Responses to the Lotus Sutra states that in 817 of the Tang dynasty (618–907), a beautiful female fishmonger appeared on Golden Beach. To choose between numerous suitors, she announced that she would marry the man who could memorize the “Universal Gateway Chapter” of the Lotus Sutra. Over 20 men succeeded, so she announced a second test; memorizing the Diamond Sutra. Ten men succeeded, so she challenged them to memorize the entire Lotus Sutra. Only Ma Lang was able to complete this task. Tragically, the fishmonger died before the wedding ceremony. Days later, an elderly monk suggested that her grave be opened. When golden bones were found inside the coffin, the monk stated that the fishmonger had been a manifestation of Avalokitesvara. In the painting, Avalokitesvara is portrayed as a young woman with her hair tied in a topknot. She gazes downwards, reading a scroll held in both hands. At the top of the picture, a smaller Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva stands within a circle of light, flanked by inscriptions.