Qing Imperial Palace: Embroidery of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

This embroidery was created by Jiang Wangshi, an artist during the rule of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty. It was originally kept in the collection of the Qing palace.
Avalokitesvara is depicted as a refined Chinese lady with a delicate oval face, small eyes, and long eyebrows. The eyebrows, eyes, and hair are painted onto the silk. The Bodhisattva’s hair is done up in a cloud shape and two tresses hang down over the shoulders. The dress has narrow sleeves and is tied at the waist with a silk cord. Two ribbons with ornaments attached hang down from the waist. Avalokitesvara holds a willow branch in her left hand. Her head turns to the right to look down at a bird, which has prayer beads in its mouth. The bird has a red beak and claws, black eyes, and white feathers.
The embroiderer used a fine thread and various techniques, such as straight, cross, couching, and slanting stitch. Emperor Qianlong’s imperial seal of artistic approval is located in the corner of the embroidery.