The
boddhisattva Quan Yin is shown riding a snow lion, symbol of bravery and guardian
of the Buddhist dharma. The bodhisattva was originally a male deity named Avalokiteshvara
in India. He was worshipped in the realm of Amitabha Buddha. The Lotus Sutra lists
his thirty-three transformations from male to female; which illustrates the infinity
of means of salvation in his great compassion to rescue faithfuls from perils.
The Buddha manjusri is believed to be his emination, often depicted in his wrathful
aspect as conqueror of Yama, and taming the demon with his wisdom, he is also
seen in less fearsome appearances, and can show feminine features and graces,
as in this beautiful carving from the period around 1900. The sculpture is complete
with all details intact and offers a glimpse of sensitive carving and sinuous
beauty in the service of spiritual refinement. Sculpted fully in the round, the
piece is imbued with a dignity and stability in which the finish of the stone
echoes the calm and bearing of the subject.
This
exquisite carving in white marble is a fine example of the divine human quality
in Chinese Buddhist arts.
