About this artwork
The benign, altruistic aspect of Buddhism is expressed in this beautifully sculpted marble head of the bodhisattva Guanyin (Sanskrit: Avalokitesvara). The miniature image of the Buddha known as Amitabha (Amituo), depicted in the crown, is clear indication of the bodhisattva’s identity. Certain features of this head are shared with other Buddhist icons: the concave forehead circle (urna) is an auspicious mark from which wisdom radiates; the elongated earlobes allude to the aristocratic Indian custom of wearing heavy earrings, and thereby to the Buddha’s early life as an Indian prince.
This majestic head, which was severed from a monumental standing figure, characterizes the finest sculpture made in far northern China in the late sixth century. The fine-grain white marble from this area was well suited to rounded, smoothly polished surfaces and austere, idealized images. Serene benevolence emanates from Guanyin’s gentle, meditative expression (somewhat altered by later recutting of the pupils of the eyes).
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Status
- On View, Gallery 101
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Department
- Arts of Asia
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Title
- Head of Guanyin
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Place
- China (Object made in)
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Date
- 575 CE–600 CE
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Medium
- Marble with traces of metal fittings at crown
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Dimensions
- 68.6 × 43.2 × 45.7 cm (27 1/16 × 17 1/16 × 18 in.)
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Credit Line
- Samuel M. Nickerson Collection
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Reference Number
- 1923.1114
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/9613/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
