Guanyin

Zhang Daqian depicted Guanyin in the kind, compassionate posture of Bhodi Pallanka (seat of enlightenment) amid rocks. Gazing at the "pure bottle" which is said to offer benedictions, Guanyin is painted with her garment rendered in double outlines to accentuate the lightness of the material which adds to the tranquil surrounding and atmosphere. Accompanied by lush grass and bamboo, Zhang places Guanyin in realistic surroundings, emphasizing her compassion on earth.
The composition is carefully modelled with fine and meticulous brushwork clearly evocative of a calligraphic style. With textured rocks and Guanyin's halo subtly defined amid empty backdrop, Zhang's varying use of ink and colour fully expresses the compassion and composure of his subject.