Head of a Bodhisattva

Origin: Chinese, Northern Qi Dynasty
Date: About 550-577
Medium: Limestone
Ackland Fund
91.65

Buddhist doctrine teaches that everyone can attain enlightenment, and therefore every living being is a potential Buddha. Having achieved enlightenment, a Buddha leaves the earth and enters Nirvana. A bodhisattva is someone who has stopped one step short of Buddahood in order to help others reach enlightenment. In contrast to images of the Buddha, who is shown without personal adornment, bodhisattvas are usually depicted wearing crowns and jewels. This figure may represent Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of mercy, who was revered in China under the name of Guanyin.