12th Century Water Moon Guanyin Collected by Minneapolis Art Institute

12th Century Water Moon Guanyin Collected by Minneapolis Art Institute

The 12th century Water Moon Guanyin is an image of Guanyin Bodhisattva widely depicted in Buddhist art. It has its roots in the art of painting and sculpture during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) in China. Water Moon Guanyin got its name because of the integration of water and moon elements in its image. Water Moon Guanyin usually has a water bottle on its head, symbolizing the state of purity and nirvana. Behind Guanyin Bodhisattva, a moon is often depicted, representing the light of wisdom and compassion.