Seated Guanyin

This silk embroidery beautifully captures the essence of the Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva, a wooden statue believed to be from the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) in China, now housed in the South and Southeast Asia collection at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The statue, seated in the pose of royal ease known as rājalilāsana, is a magnificent display of intricate carvings on its clothing and accessories.

In this embroidery art, the predominant colors of wood and red are meticulously hand embroidered with fine silk threads. The embroidery artwork highlights the minute details, bringing to life the exquisite carvings found on the original statue. The statue, painted in various colors, including prominent red and green hues on the attire, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Liao Dynasty (907-1125).

The pose of the Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva represents rājalilāsana, a flexible posture with a raised leg and a casually draped arm, conveying both regality and ease. The embroidery painting captures the nuances of this pose, emphasizing the flexibility and grace of the bodhisattva.

In Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who delays entering nirvana to assist others on their path to enlightenment. The Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva, also known as Guanyin of the Southern Sea, serves as a symbol of compassion and wisdom. This Chinese silk embroidery not only pays homage to the original statue's cultural and historical significance but also serves as a vibrant intermediary, bringing the enlightened presence of the bodhisattva to life for all who behold it.

This hyper-realistic silk embroidery painting, created over one year by embroidery artists from Su Embroidery Studio, is a remarkable homage to the ancient Chinese Buddhist art embodied by the Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva sculpture. The original 95" by 65" wooden figure stands as one of the best-preserved and most magnificent sculptures from that era.

The silk embroidery meticulously breathes life into the wooden sculpture, with the artist employing fine random stitches to replicate its intricate carvings. Using over 500 colors of extremely fine silk threads, the hues are harmoniously blended to mimic the variegated palette found on the wooden figure.

This fusion of silk art and wooden sculpture captures the essence of cultural preservation and artistic continuity. Going beyond a mere reproduction, it becomes a transformative interpretation, showcasing skill, dedication, and reverence for ancient Chinese artistry. Through this silk embroidery, the Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva's timeless beauty is remained and celebrated, symbolizing the unbroken thread connecting contemporary Chinese silk art with the rich traditions of China's artistic heritage.