Water-Moon Avalokitesvara

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

This image of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara was first painted by the Tang dynasty (618–907) artist Zhou Fang. It was later imitated by several other artists; this Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) version is attributed to Yan Hui. Historical records praise Yan for his outstanding portrayals of Avalokitesvara with delicate brushstrokes and elegant colors, both of which are evident in this artwork.
Water-Moon Avalokitesvara, one of the Thirty-Three Manifestations of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, is usually depicted sitting on a rock beside the sea, backed by a large, moon-like nimbus. In this painting, Avalokitesvara has a rounded face with a serene expression. The hooded robe partially covers a headdress with a Buddha image in the center, and falls in elegant folds down past the feet. The hands of the Bodhisattva are clasped around the raised right knee. A blue glass container holding a vase with a willow branch inside rests on the left beside Avalokitesvara. Gentle waves roll past below the rock. In the upper register, pine trees cling to a steep cliff, and a waterfall cascades down to the sea.