East Asian Art AvalokiteshvaraMade in Korea, Asia Three Kingdoms
period, 7th - 8th century Artist/maker unknown, Korean Currently
not on view 1976-196-1Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Bull, 1976
LabelOf all the deities in Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara,
the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is one of the most celebrated.
While endowed with complete enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara
refrains from entering the blissful state of nirvana to remain
on earth and save its creatures. The deity can be distinguished
by the small image of Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western
Paradise, in his crown. Amitabha (which means infinite light) is
the highest Buddha and the spiritual father of Avalokiteshvara.