Bodhisattva Guanyin

A small gilt bronze figure of a seated bodhisattva rests one knee raised and holds a vase-like object at the shoulder. Her elaborate tiered crown, layered jewelry and draped garments are finely modeled, and the surface shows worn gilding that catches the light.

Look closer: A small jeweled ornament hangs at the center of the chest necklace, and a long strap crosses the lap.

Artist

Unknown

Date

581–618

Medium

gilt bronze

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

3161 × 3400 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. John Lyon Collyer in memory of her mother, Mrs. G. M. G. Forman