China, Liao dynasty (916-1125) / 900s
Bodhisattva Guanyin
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Bodhisattva Guanyin as sculpture (China, Liao dynasty (916-1125) · 900s).
The Liao rulers were devout Buddhists who commissioned substantial religious projects.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as gilt bronze.
The museum's collection notes: In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a being who, just before reaching enlightenment, turns back to assist others to reach enlightenment first. This bodhisattva holds his hand palm forward, in a gesture that tells followers not to fear. In his other hand he carries a bottle that holds the elixir of immortality.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBodhisattva GuanyinOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.