Blog @ the Nelson-Atkins

I'm a college student and have been researching Guanyin for an assignment. I've recently become enchanted with this particular sculpture but haven't been able to find any information about it more than is posted on the website. I'm currently in New York and was unable to make the recent discussion about the sculpture and was wondering if someone would be interested in filling me in on what happened? I also have a few questions I would like answered.
1. Has the original image been significantly re-painted or altered?
2. Is this a zen or pureland image?
3. The figure is in the pose of royal ease, is this a significant indicator of the status of the bodhisattva?
a. It is believed that ‘royal’ images were transformed or didn’t find popularity in china because of the clearly established royal lineage, or mandate of heaven. However, Guaynin became very popular. What might explain this?
b. Is this one of the reasons why the female incarnations of Guanyin became popular?
4. Is this a representation of Guanyin in a female incarnation or just androgynous?
5. This image looks decidedly more feminine than Indian representations if Avalokitesvara. Was this just a tendency for Chinese to beautify, or make sacred images more graceful?
a. Or maybe make the androgynous to prove that deities are beyond sexual orientation and desire?
6. What is the significance of the rock he/she is sitting on?
7. Where was the sculpture originally found? (Buddhist temple, aristocratic household, cave building?) or is this information lost and how?
if anyone might know the answers, i would be really grateful.

Carol,

Thank you for your very thoughtful questions. I understand your attraction to the Guanyin. It is an amazingly beautiful work of art. I have forwarded your questions along to our curator and conservator. When I get the responses, I will e-mail them to you directly.

Also, we are working on an interactive feature on the Gaunyin for our website that you will be able to see early next year. So keep reading!

I am visiting the museum just to see Royal Ease so since you said there is some work being done on the figure I wonder if it will be on display at the end of July??? Thank you

Diane,

I am so happy you will have the opportunity to come visit. There is no plan to close the Chinese Temple Gallery during the construction. Beginning in August, there will be only one way to access the galleries on that side of the second floor. However, if vibrations from the work are too strong, there may be a need to close certain areas temporarily. I am sorry I can't be more specific. The Guanyin is so spectacular. I hope you get to see it.

I saw Guanyin on the cover of "The Way of Guanyin Bohdisattva". Simply megnificent.

While i was searching for more information about it, I saw the questions Ms. Carol Linehan posted here and made me so curious as well. If there is indeed a compiled list of answers to her questions, would it be possible for me to receive it as well? I would be much obliged.

Thank you for your interest in our Gunayin. It truly is an amazing work of art.

I don't have the answers to those questions any longer. However, we are going to unveil an in-depth website feature about the sculpture in the next few months. It should answer many of those same questions.

I will send you a note when that is up. Please keep reading the website and the blog for more details.