Water-moon Avalokiteshvara 1300 - 1349

This 'Water-moon Avalokiteshvara' at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was painted anonymously, on silk. The artist would have prepared the fabric by stretching it onto a frame, before applying thin washes of ink and mineral pigments. Look closely, and you can see how the silk's texture subtly influences the appearance of the painting, particularly in the darker areas. This is not merely a surface for the image; it's integral to the work's effect. The creation of this hanging scroll involved numerous steps, from preparing the silk and grinding pigments to the delicate brushwork required for the intricate details of the bodhisattva's robes and jewelry. The labor-intensive process reflects a deep investment of time and skill, typical of traditional East Asian painting. Appreciating this work involves understanding not only its religious symbolism, but also the rich material culture and the dedicated craftsmanship that brought it into being.