The Bodhisattva Willow Kannon (Avalokiteshvara) 1871 - 1899

"The Bodhisattva Willow Kannon (Avalokiteshvara)" is a handscroll painting attributed to the renowned Tang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi, though it was actually created much later, between 1871 and 1899. This painting depicts the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism often depicted as a compassionate savior. The scroll, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, showcases the flowing lines and vibrant colors typical of the Tang Dynasty style. The delicate details, such as the elaborate jewelry and flowing drapery, and the subtle shading lend the artwork a sense of both power and grace, reflecting the revered status of the bodhisattva.