MING DYNASTY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY

Shown seated in rajalilasana and wearing simple robes, the figure holds a small cintamani jewel in the lowered right hand and a Buddhist text in the left hand. Avalalokitesvara, also known in China as Guanyin, short for Guanshiyin, meaning ‘The one who perceives the sounds of the world’. The name refers to the compassionate bodhisattva’s ability to hear the cries of all mankind, and to strive endlessly to help those who offer prayers.