Seated Bronze Avalokitesvara

Avalokitesvara is one of the bodhisattvas most beloved in Mahayana Buddhism; because of the importance attached to it in the salvation of sentient beings, it was widely venerated over a long period, and many images of it were made. This is a bronze seated image of Avalokitesvara made during China's Ming dynasty. It sits in royal-ease posture, with the right leg raised and the left leg folded in the lotus position, on a double lotus pedestal. On its head it wears a jewelled crown encircled by a band of beaded-pearl design; although badly damaged, it is presumed originally to have borne a small image of a transformation Buddha. The crown rests lightly on top of the head, in the unusual form of ribbons that begin on either side and are tied together at the back. On the forehead the urna, the tuft of white hair marking wisdom, is clearly visible. The somewhat swollen, almond-shaped eyes tilt slightly upward, with double eyelids incised in fine lines, and a faint smile can be seen on the small lips. The locks of hair falling from behind the ears have broken away where they would have met the shoulders on both sides, but three strands of hair remain flowing down over the shoulders. An elaborate beaded necklace ornament hangs over the chest, and the end of the celestial scarf draped over the shoulders falls in a long line over the right arm, while the drapery wrapped around the left arm continues down to the pedestal, where the hand rests. On the back of the pedestal is an inscription in relief. It reveals that the image was made in a place called Gyeongan-ri, and that it was worshipped under the name Gwaneum, meaning Avalokitesvara. The names of several other donors who took part in making the image are also recorded, but because part of the inscription is damaged the details cannot be fully known, and the date of production has not survived either. This image was seized from China by the Japanese colonial authorities in the final stages of the Pacific War for use in weapons manufacture, and was kept at the Bupyeong Arsenal; after liberation it was transferred to our museum. Not only is it artistically outstanding, but the presence of a dedicatory inscription recording its making on the back of the pedestal makes it all the more valuable.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산