HEAD OF GUANYIN

Sandstone.
China, Hebei province, Sui dynasty (581-618) or early Tang (7th cent.).
Guanyin is a Chinese form of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, identified here with female protective deities. In the East Asian Buddhist pantheon she is widely worshiped as the goddess of mercy. The style of the sculpture is distinctive for the short period of Sui dynasty.

MAP 3723, acquired in 1977.