The
Indian boddhisattva Avalokiteshvara assumed the female form of Kwan Yin, the Goddess
of Mercy and Compassion, during the period of the Sung Dynasty (960-1276). Her
Chinese name Kuan Yin means 'Sound Observer'.
Seated
here in meditation with her eyes lowered, Kwan Yin folds her hands together in
a blessing gesture. However, her raised right knee suggests movement often seen
in Chinese Buddhas, but her right foot that is firmly resting on a lotus leaf
owes its origin to the Tibetan Tara; which also reflects a state of relaxation
and generally known as "royal ease". Furthermore, her crown and slightly tilted
head displays the Tibetan influence melding with the characteristic seated pose
found in many Chinese statues. Her earrings and necklace mark this statue as a
more regal rather than ascetic boddhisattva. This statue is hollowed which is
a technique used to prevent cracking in the wood. The lacquered surface is gilded
in gold.
