Putuo also known as Putuoshan or Mount Putuo, renowned for its beauty, spirituality, and natural wonders, is one of four Chinese Buddhist Mountains, each presided over by a major Buddha or Bodhisattva. It is Guanyin’s sacred mountain and her Bodhimanda, a Pali word meaning “place of enlightenment.” In the Sung Dynasty Putuo became the Guanyin’s residence in Mahayana Buddhism and by the Ming dynasty, it became the center for Guanyin worship that resulted in a new authorized manifestation of Guanyin called Nanhai Guanyin. Many carvings represent Guanyin in her cave on Mount Putuo where she spend nine years performing acts of merit, attained Buddhahood and acquired her two acolytes Shen-tsai and Lung-nu. Putuo was also considered a Sacred Taoist Mountain revered for more than 2000 years as one of the places where the Taoist pill of immortality was created.
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This small antique carving is Nanhai Guanyin (Guanyin of the Southern Seas) who became a syncretic cult figure during the late Ming and Qing dynasties in rural provincial regions, especially Southern China. She is worshiped in Mahayana Pure Land Buddhism, Taoism and Popular Religion. The local artisan took liberties in the iconography, portrayal and attributes…
As one of the most popular Mahayana Pure Land images, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, this antique Chinese wood carving of Nanhai Guanyin of the Southern Seas is seated on a symbolic craggy rock outcrop below an arch of draped moss (some of which is missing ) at the entrance to the Tidal…
This Nanhai Guanyin sits in her cave home on the island of Putuo represented by pierced openwork, craggy surfaces and open area at the cave top. Guanyin’s image almost fills the cave’s opening seated in dhyana (meditation), thumbs forming a triangle symbolizing the triratna, the Three Gems of Buddhism (the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)…
This wonderfully carved Nanhai Guanyin statue is notable for its highly ornate and beautiful diadem centered by an elaborately framed image of Buddha Amitabha seated in meditation. Her vibrant aura radiates spirituality and opulence, serenity and strength, as well as compassion and grace, making this statue a truly masterful piece of art.
This enchanting carving depicts Nanhai Guanyin in her Cave on Mount Putuo seated in lalitsana, below a symbolic arch of draped moss with bright pigmentation and considerable gilt. Nanhai Guanyin was massively popular during the Ming/Qing dynasties and provincial wood images were made home altars throughout China. She holds scrolls representing the dharma and sutras, behind her is a vial with the tears of her humanity and parrot, her constant companion. Small Nanhai images with all these symbols in this condition are very rare.
The most distinguishing feature of this finely carved Nanhai Guanyin is her elaborate scalloped crown centered by the Amitabha Buddha of Infinite light. In Pure Land Buddhism crowns are believed to bestow a divine and solemn quality to Guanyin images. This serene yet elegant carving is perfect to enhance any personal meditative space.
This Nanhai Guanyin (Guanyin of the South Sea) sits in her cave on Putuo island in the South China Sea with most of her traditional features. She is portrayed as White Hooded or Clad Guanyin with her hair in a bun covered with a short hood seated in royal ease (lalitsana) with her right hand…
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