Title: Water Moon Avalokiteśvara, or Suwol Gwaneum, Circa 1850-1890. Late Joseon Period Painting Copied after the Goryeo Dynasty Examples, Beautifully Highlighted in Gold Ink
Condition: Good
A Late Joseon Period, 19th century painting of the Water Moon Avalokiteśvara, also known as Suwol Gwaneum in Korea, or Yoryu Kannon in Japan, or universally, Avalokiteśvara.
This painting is a simpler copy after the early Goryeo depictions of the Avalokiteśvara, but still beautifully produced using various levels of detailing, with the craggy rocks and waves produced with layers of shading, and the vestments of the Avalokiteśvara and background all brightly lit up and highlighted with gold ink. This example is comparable to Lot 78433 offered at the Heritage Auctions sale of March 19, 2019.
One of the 33 different manifestations of Avalokiteśvara, it is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, its mission to save people from illness. It is called Yoryu Kannon because it holds a willow branch in a vase, next to it. The Kannon is depicted in various cultures, and during the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea has been depicted in paintings such as the Water-Moon Avalokiteśvara, like with this example.
A somewhat similar Joseon Period composition was offered as Lot 78433 at the Heritage Auctions sale of March 19, 2019.
One painting on paper, 120 x 79 cm full size
This painting is in good shape, with some wear and creasing to the rear of the painting. There is some cracking and chipping to the paint in places, mostly to the top portion of the painting.