Accession Number
1989/2.144

Title
White-Robed Guanyin Who Sends Sons

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
17 5/16 in x 15 5/16 in (44 cm x 38.9 cm);18 3/16 in x 16 1/4 in (46.2 cm x 41.2 cm);17 5/16 in x 15 5/16 in (44 cm x 38.9 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna

Subject matter
The female Buddha, Guanyin, is also known as the goddess of compassion. The Guanyin is known for being dressed in a white robe while holding a baby son. The Chinese characters above translate to "white robed Guanyin giving sons." During the feudal era, people believed that worshipping the Buddha would fulfill their wishes. Superstitious people worshipped the Guanyin to become pregnant and prayed for a baby boy. 

Physical Description
A woman figure is seated on a lotus flower and cradling a baby. She is dressed in a robe and wears a head scarf with the Chinese word "buddha" on it. They are surrounded by nature. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Buddhas (visual works)
compassion
goddesses
males
son
sons (people)