Guanyin of the Lion's Roar

One of the most popular deities in Asia, Guanyin Bodhisattva (Guānyīn púsà 观音菩萨, 觀音菩薩), the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, is found not only in Chinese Buddhism but also in the indigenous Daoist tradition as well as in Chinese folk religion. Originating in India as the male bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, Guanyin gradually became female in China, perhaps blending with early Chinese goddess worship.

Guanyin can be identified as a bodhisattva by her complex garments and scarves, the jewelry and ornaments she wears, and the locks of hair that tumble down her shoulders. She is seated in the “posture of royal ease” (lalitāsana), with one leg pendant and the other tucked in. Often called the Lotus Holder (Padmāpani), here Guanyin delicately grasps a lotus stem in her left hand. In contrast to the grace and elegance of the figure is the lion-like beast she rides, identifying this form of the deity as Guanyin of the Lion’s Roar (Simhanada Avalokiteśvara; Shīhǒu Guānyīn 狮吼观音, 獅吼觀音).

The medium is Blanc de Chine (Chinese White) or Dehua Ware, named for the county in China’s Fujian province that produced works of pure white porcelain, most famously used for religious icons such as this one.