Eleven-Headed Guanyin
1700-1732
Physical Qualities
Gilt metal alloy with red and blue pigment, 4 1/4 x 2 1/4 x 1 3/4 in. (10.8 x 5.7 x 4.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Frank J. and Elizabeth L. Goodnow Collection
Object Number
1942.70.694
Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) felt such despair over the world's endless need for help that the bodhisattva's head burst into 10 pieces. Seeing this, their spiritual guide, Amitabha, shaped the pieces into 10 heads and placed his own on top to assist in contemplating ways to save others. Thus the Eleven-Headed Guanyin was born. The Thousand-Armed Guanyin is a further elaboration of this manifestation's desire to help all creatures.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by bequest to the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, 1942; Goodnow Collection, Baltimore; probably acquired by Elizabeth Goodnow in China, c. 1912-1913
Frances Klapthor, BMA, "The Devotional Art of Tibet," May 14, 2007-January 20, 2008.
Collection installation, "Asia. Guanyin's Stories & Lineage," Levy Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art, October 5, 2023-
Collection installation, "Asia. Guanyin's Stories & Lineage," Levy Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art, October 5, 2023-
Markings: Dedication plate: a largish but simple double vajra with a yin-yang in the center
On View at the BMA
