Seated Avalokiteshvara Boddhisattva (Guanyin)

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A bodhisattva is a Buddhist deity who has reached the pinnacle of enlightenment, but instead of entering paradise, he delays his ascent to aid other earthly beings. Because bodhisattvas remain on earth, their bodies are often lavishly adorned, unlike buddhas, who have attained the perfected state of nirvana. Here seated in the lotus position, Avalokiteshvara wears gold jewelry and luxurious silk robes that the artist embellished with delicate designs made of gold foil and gold paint. Originally, his elaborate topknot would have been further decorated with a gilt-metal crown, although it is now missing. Avalokiteshvara is associated with mercy and compassion, as evidenced by his Chinese name, Guanyin, which means "perceiver of sounds." This association indicates that he has the ability to recognize all people's cries of suffering. These associations make this figure one of the most popular deities among Chinese Buddhists, who might worship a sculpture like this in hopes that Avalokiteshvara will recognize their suffering and help them on their path toward salvation.