An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin), from a set of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Flying Celestialsc. 951-953
Jewelled headdress with pendants suspended from the beaks of decorative birds or from projecting scrolls. Right hand is on right knee, left hand is raised toward the chief diety. Sitting in a cross-legged position, the image of his Dhyani-Buddha in his headdress. Hip-length blouse, with wide round neck and rolled over collar, has a center vertical panel which is pulled into the neck when seated. Three-quarter length sleeves. The skirt is finely pleated and caught up slightly on either side of the leg.
68 x 48 in. (172.72 x 121.92 cm)
Colors on plaster
Painting
China
10th century
Gift of C.T. Loo, Inc.
In a distant time, nestled within the serene landscapes of north-central China, a magnificent temple stood tall, its walls alive with stories waiting to be told. This temple, believed to be Cishengsi in the far northern Henan province, once housed a remarkable composition that resonated deeply with the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism. It was a sprawling mural that brought to life the tranquil essence of spirituality.
As you approach the wall, you would first notice a trio of seated bodhisattvas; their calm and composed figures offered solace to weary souls. They sat majestically, each adorned in elaborate robes that flowed like silk in the gentle breeze. Their jewelry shimmered like stars, casting a warm glow that drew the eye and warmed the heart. Flanking these noble beings were standing attendant bodhisattvas, their presence exuding support and reverence.
As your gaze wanders beyond the central figures, you would see attendants engaged in sacred rituals, their movements graceful and deliberate, painting a picture of devotion in the air. And overhead, dancing among the clouds, were flying celestials—apsaras—who swirled in a paradise-like embrace, their ethereal forms illuminating the spiritual atmosphere.
It is worth pausing here, for one figure, the leftmost bodhisattva, truly commands attention. Bathed in a soft halo, he stands as a beacon of enlightenment. A beautiful crown rests upon his head, and nestled within it, a miniature depiction of a buddha shines with an otherworldly light. This signifies the divine source from which he emanated, a link to something far greater than ourselves.
Alas, as time wove its tapestry, these awe-inspiring paintings became dispersed among various collections across the United States. This once grand mural, now fragmented, still carries within it the harmonious spirit of its origins. Each piece, while alone, speaks volumes of a collective journey towards wisdom and peace, inviting us to connect with the sacred stories that shape our world and inspire our hearts.
About the artist
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