Bodhisattva Guanyin

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The child in the arms of the bodhisattva indicates that this ivory carving represents Guanyin as the Bestower of Sons. Although in India the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara was originally understood to be either genderless or male, in China, female manifestations developed and become popular, particularly for their ability to provide blessings such as children. This particular form was created during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art