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White robed Guanyin in a landscape

White robed Guanyin in a landscape
 (early 14th century)

Medium
pigments, ink on silk
Measurements
115.3 × 56.2 cm (image and sheet)
Place/s of Execution
China
Accession Number
1997.94
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of the National Australia Bank Limited, Honorary Life Benefactor, 1997
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
At the centre of this tranquil landscape is the 'Water and Moon Guanyin' or 'White-robed Guanyin' a manifestation of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshvara. He is seated in contemplation on a rock in a cave-like setting with a waterfall behind him and swelling ocean beneath. Above are pines and bamboos and distant peaks rising from billowing clouds. The visionary figure of Guanyin is surrounded by a moonlike halo and seated above waves. The Guanyin is wearing a white ascetic robe and Bodhisattva jewellery. This Guanyin is represented as a male with a small beard. In the upper left corner of the painting is an inscription written by the Chan (Zen) Buddhist monk Hiuming (1316-1386), who was abbot of the Lingyin temple from 1378 to 1386 in the early Ming.