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92 Items in this Learning Collection
Tantric icon in portable case

Collection Object
Portable Shrine with Amitabha Buddha and Two Bodhisattva Attendants
Black lacquered case with two double-hinged doors that curve around the side and meet in the center. In the case are three small metal figures, two standing in the front and one seated in the back. 
Collection Object
Head of a Buddha, probably a 'kebutsu' (Buddha in a transformation body) from the crown of an Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara

Collection Object
Bodhisattva Mañjusri (J. Monju Bosatsu), seated on a lion
This icon painting depicts the bodhisattva Monju seated cross-legged on lotus on top of a lion. The figure holds a vajra sword, and is dressed in flowing robes with golden jewelry. Two circular mandorlas surround the figure. 
Collection Object
Vairocana Buddha (Japanese, Dainichi Nyorai)
A figure is sitting on a lotus-shaped pedestal, which is itself placed on an hexagonal pedestal. The figure wears a drape hanging from the left shoulder and covering the bottom. The arms are placed in front; right hand holding the left index finger. The facial expression is calm; the two eyes looking down; a dot on the forehead. Two elongated ears. A tall crown on the head. The two halos are on the back of the figure; one behind the head and other behind the torso. Two halos are surrounded by an oval-shaped dais. The statue and pedestals are guilded with gold; some polychrome remnants.
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Buddha seated in dhyana mudra, and flanked by two stupas
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Chinese, Guanyin) with a willow branch and vase

Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting a Bodhisattva in Amitabha's (Chinese. Amitofou's) Western Paradise, giving rebirth to new souls from lotus buds
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Buddha Amitâbha (Chinese, Amitofou) preaching in his Western Paradise
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene..
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (Ch. Dizang), in Amitabha's Western Paradise
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
Sutra Fragment, Calligraphy in Block Script
An excerpt from the Lotus Sutra (Japanese: Myōhō Renge Kyō), this sutra uses gold pigment on indigo dyed paper.
Collection Object
Suiten kyo (Sutra of Varuna, Deity of the Waters)
This is a long horizontal scroll with several calligraphic inscriptions on the right portion of the paper. On the left are 3 figural scenes. The one closest to the writing shows a male figure wearing a large headdress seated in the lotus position within a circle. Next there is a figure with four arms who stands on the back of a dragon. Two people stand on either side- one a short blue-skinned man who holds a bowl and the other a smaller figure who holds a brush and paper. The third scene shows a male figure, seated in the lotus position, who holds a sword, a wheel, a brush and paper in his four hands.
Collection Object
Sutra Writings

Collection Object
Sutra Fragment, Calligraphy in Block Script

Collection Object
Sutra Scroll Container with Cover

Collection Object
Sutra Fragment, Song-Style Typeface

Collection Object
Sutra Fragment, Calligraphy in Block Script

Collection Object
Sutra Fragment, Yuan-Style Typeface

Collection Object
Sutra Fragment, Tôdaiji... Calligraphy in Block Script

Collection Object
Bodhisattva Manjusri (Monju Bosatsu)
This hanging scroll depicts Monju (Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī), the bodhisattva of wisdom, seated on a lotus pedestal, holding his typical attributes of a vajra sword and a scroll. His typical lion mount is depicted underneath the base of lotus surrounded by peonies.
Collection Object
Bodhisattva Mañjusri (J. Monju Bosatsu) seated on a lion
This depiction of Monju (Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī), the bodhisattva of wisdom, shows him seated on his typical lion mount, holding a vajra sword and lotus, upon which rests a sutra scroll. While most of the pigments have deteriorated with age, the brightly colored lotus and dappled skin of the lion suggest the original vibrant colors of the image. 
Collection Object
The Deva Idaten
Idaten is depicted here, fierce, standing on clouds. His garments blow in the breeze, and a halo showing his power and godliness encircles his head.
Collection Object
Bodhisattva (Jokaisho Bosatsu): esoteric Buddhist iconographic drawing
An illustration of the bodhisattva Jokaishō, the divine figure is seated on a lotus blossom venerating a reliquary. The figure sits cross-legged on a red lotus blossom, while beneath the figure is a blue sutra box on a green and yellow lotus. The image is depicted with largely even "iron-wire" lines typical of Heian period Buddhist painting. 
Collection Object
Bodhisattva Mañjusri (J. Monju Bosatsu), seated on a lion: architectural fragment
Monju (Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī), the bodhisattva of wisdom, is shown riding his typical lion mount being guided by a bearded attendant. Red peony blossoms are shown to the right of the main figures.
Collection Object
Standing Buddha in Abhaya-vara mudra
Gilt bronze standing Buddha on lotus pedestal. He is clothed in monastic robes with cascading U-shaped folds, similar to the gentle folds of his neck. His hands ake the form of two mudras: the abhaya (&ldquo;have no fear&rdquo;) mudra with the right hand, and varada (&ldquo;wishes are granted&rdquo;) mudra with the left.<br /> <br /> <br /> It is well proportioned overall and represent Buddha in a standing position; a position quite popular in Unified Shilla Buddhist sculpture. The Ushinisha on the top of Buddha&#39;s head is tall, voluminous and black. The face is plump and facial features, including the eyes, nose and the mouth, are all rather small. The earlobes hang are hanging and the three curved lines on the neck are highly distinct.<br /> <br /> The body and pedestal of this statue were cast as a single mass. The body is made of solid bronze, but the pedestal is hollow. The back part of the pedestal features a hole for the insertion of a mandorla, which is missing. Unlike most Buddha statues from
Collection Object
One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Brocades in Various Traditional Pattern
A checkered gold brocade foregrounds five fragments of textile: a square in the middle surrounded by four cornerpieces. Each textile has a different design, some with butterflies, birds, and other floral motifs.
Collection Object
Dragon head (finial for a staff or a piece of ceremonial furniture)

Collection Object
One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Obi Brocades
The colorful strips of brocade at the top and bottom of this panel feature a woven design of ivy and peonies entwined around cartwheels, bamboo, and stylized diamonds. A wide rectangular fragment of an obi (sash for kimono) lie at the center of the textile. It is an almost abstract design of boats tossed in a frothy sea. The warm, muted tones of the gold are matched in color selections of mauve, and muted purple, blue, and green threads.
Collection Object
One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Indigo Brocades
Fragments of brocade textiles are stitched symmetrically into gold fabric. Gold, blue, and brownish/copper hues create the patterns on the textile fragments.
Collection Object
Portrait of a Warrior (Minamoto no Yoritomo)

Collection Object
Hotei
The shape of the circle repeats four times in this painting. It appears in the plump body of Hotei, his head, his large white sack, and the overall shape of the fan.
Collection Object
Bodhisattva Padmapani (Avalokiteshvara; Japanese, Kannon), from Kôfukuji
The figure is standing on a lotus-shaped pedestal; the hair is tied as a knot on top of the head; a crown is also on the top. The face has two elongated ears, round eyeblows, eyes looking downward; the lips are shut; sloping sholders are wrapped with thin robe, which hung toward the knees. Right hand, showing a palm, is raised to the chest while the left hand is by the lower abdomen, as if holding something. The three wrinkles can be seen on the neck. All are made of wood.
Collection Object
Taima Temple Mandala: Amida Welcomes Chûjôhime to the Western Paradise
At the center of the mandala is Amidha Buddha, surrounded by other golden holy figures on clouds, indicated by the rings around their heads. On the ground surrounding the figures are seated men and women in variously colored robes. At the center and front of the holy beings is a man dressed in a grey robe seated under an awning. One of the holy figures is offering him a lotus blossom. <br />Behind the Buddha is a temple. To the left and right of this are partial views of smaller buildings. The background of the image also contains buildings and mountains, partially obscured by mist. Among the back mountains is a trail of clouds with other holy figures heading into the sky.
Collection Object
Deep footed bowl
The mouth is straight. The side is gently curved to the bottom. The foot is hgh and narrow. It was repaired.<br /> <br /> Produced between the 15th and 16th century at a privately owned kiln in the southwestern region of Gyeongsangnam-do, this bowl has been restored following breakage into ten pieces. Its rim curves inwards. It is made with stoneware clay. There are five spur marks on the inner base, and the glaze on the rim of its foot has been wiped away. It is coated with opaque white glaze, on which have formed many crackles and pinholes. The color of glaze is not even throughout the surface. Vessels of this type were popular in Japan as tea bowls (茶碗, Jap. chawan).<br /> [Korean Collection, University of Michigan Museum of Art (2014) p.160]
Collection Object
Kaiawase (Shell Game) Set

Collection Object
The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kamakura
The daibutsu, or giant buddha, statue takes up the bulk of the pictorial space. Curving upwards and towards the statue is a large pine. At the feet of the green hued daibutsu statue are three women of different generations: a young girl, an adult woman, and an elderly woman. Although a few clouds hover in the sky, the sun appears to be shining brightly, casting some shadows of nearby trees into the picture.
Collection Object
Buddha Asyura (Ashura, Kôfukuji, Nara)

Collection Object
Beauty (Taifu)
A colored image of a single woman at the center of the scroll. She appears to be seated though there is nothing beneath her. Her kimono is grey with green grass designs and her under kimono is white. Her obi is a red and green stylized design. Above her head is an inscription.
Collection Object
Bodhidharma, from triptych of Three Zen Masters: Linji, Bodhidharma and Deshan

Collection Object
A Scholar Riding on a Sword

Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: The Thunder God Fishing for His Drum
This painting portrays the Thunder God (Raijin), a powerful and ferocious figure, is fishing for his drum, carelessly dropped in the ocean.
Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Demon soliciting alms (Oni no nembutsu)
In this painting, a mischievous demon is depicted in priest’s garb begging for alms.
Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Benkei with a Halberd (Naginata Benkei)
This painting portrays Saito Musashibo Benkei holding a halberd. Benkei was a Japanese warrior monk, a popular subject of Japanese folklore. Here the painting is accompanied by text, which became common on images with moralistic messages poking fun at society.
Collection Object
Daikoku-ten (God of Good Fortune)
This woodwork depicts Daikoku, the god of good fortune, who is associated with farmers. Here he is sitting astride two large barrels of rice, while carrying over his shoulder a large sack, brimming with treasure. In his right hand he holds a magic mallet, said to be able to produce anything the heart desires when struck.<br />
Collection Object
Ebisu (God of Prosperity)
This woodwork depicts Ebisu, the god of prosperity and especially associated with fishermen. Here he carries a large sea bream or red snapper symbolizing good fortune.
Collection Object
Deshan, from triptych of Three Zen Masters: Linji, Bodhidharma and Deshan

Collection Object
Linji, from triptych of Three Zen Masters: Linji, Bodhidharma and Deshan

Collection Object
Shôki the Demon Queller

Collection Object
Rubbing of a Folk Carving: Gozanze Myôô, mounted on a Bull

Collection Object
Rubbing of Folk Carving: Jizô Bosatsu

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
Rubbing of a Folk Buddhist Carving of a Buddhist Guardian King (a Lokapala or one of the four Shitennô)

Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Warrior Monk of Mii Temple Tossing Armor

Collection Object
One of Nine Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
Silk and Cotton Brocade or Damask

Collection Object
Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, in Kamakura style), in vitarka mudra

Collection Object
Demon Soliticing Contributions

Collection Object
Jizo Bosatsu (?)

Collection Object
One of Nine Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Nine Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
Celestial Musician (Japanese, Hiten; Sanskrit, Apsara)
The figure is kneeling musician on lotus seat, made of separately carved petals. Below the seat, there is a base, which consists of two lotus-shaped half-sphere, connected up-side-down. The head has two buns, elongated ears, simplified facial parts; the figure wears a pink robe with wide sleeves, holding a sort of instrument with hands.
Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Nine Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Nine Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Twenty-seven Panels, each with various pieces of textile

Collection Object
One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Kinran and Karaori
This brocade makes use of gold thread, creating a composite that shimmers. the warm, muted tones of the gold are matched in color selections of light blue, dark blue, yellow, mauve, silvery white, and muted green threads. Two textile fragments have been sewn into a gold background. On the left is a rectangular segment of a blue and green dragon among clouds. The right segment is a floral decoration of a variety of plants and colors, interspersed with horizontal lines.
Collection Object
The Bodhisattva Jizô with a demon and children
This painting depicts the bodhisattva Jizō standing by the bank of a river surrounded by children.  The majority of these are seated on the ground, creating small piles of rocks, but a few pull on the divinity’s robes. At a distance is a red demonic figure (oni) leaning on a staff with his arm outstretched over the water. 
Collection Object
Buddha, standing (extremely worn)

Collection Object

Copyright
All Rights Reserved ()

Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Chinese, Guanyin) with a willow branch and vase

Zoom
Accession Number
1964/2.20

Title
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Chinese, Guanyin) with a willow branch and vase

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
618-907

Medium & Support
Molded terracotta votive plaque

Dimensions
2 3/4 in. x 1 3/4 in. ( 7 cm x 4.4 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Caroline I. Plumer for the James Marshall Plumer Collection

Label copy
Bodhisattvas, or spiritually advanced beings destined to become Buddhas, play a central role in Mahâyâna Buddhism, as embodiments of certain aspects of the teachings and as divinities to whom one could pray. Throughout Asia, the most popular bodhisattva was Avalokitesvara, “the lord who looks down and listens with compassion.” He can be recognized by the large lotus blossom he holds in his left hand.
Maribeth Graybill, Senior Curator of Asian Art
Exhibited in "Flora and Fauna in Chinese Art," April 6, 2002 - December 1, 2002.

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
relief

Additional Object Classification(s)
Ritual Object

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
Buddhism
bodhisattva
lotus (motif)
willow (wood)

3 Related Resources
Buddhism
(Part of 2 Learning Collections)
Devotional Objects Across Religions
(Part of 3 Learning Collections)

& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved

On display

UMMA Gallery Location ➔ AMH, 2nd floor ➔ 205 (Albertine Monroe-Brown Study-Storage Gallery) ➔ Cabinet E ➔ Shelf 2