Week 7: Water Moon Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara

what is the proper name of Avalokiteśvara

Water Moon Avalokiteśvara

time period:

1st half of 14th C

location:

goryeo

Why was Avalokiteśvara so popular?

• viewed as compassionate and benevolent bodhisattva who helped suffering beings.

• associated with mercy, wisdom, and salvation,

• people looked up to him for guidance toward enlightenment after reaching nirvana

Localization of the Water-Moon Avalokiteśvara Iconography

• became localized via goryeo artistic style

• Originated in Tang China

orginal vs korean version

• Original: Avalokiteśvara was depicted seated in a bamboo grove w/ a full moon.

• The Korean version featured a water vessel at the feet/base. 

  • The figure is elegant, calm, and luxuriously decorated, with fine details, all which reflect Goryeo culture.

how did artists adapt iconography

• Influence: Buddhist scriptures

  • Lotus Sutra

  • Flower Garland Sutra: Avalokiteshvara seated on a rocky outcrop above the sea while Sudhana (pilgram) approaches seeking wisdom

• Koryŏ artists adapted the iconography via:

  • Rocky seaside landscapes

  • Lotus-filled waters

  • Bamboo stalks

  • Sudhana (the pilgrim seeker of wisdom)

• Imagery reflects original Chinese model and local Korean artistic preferences

Bodhisattva vs. Buddha — Differences in Visualization

• Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara)

  • An enlightened being who has already reached complete awakening. 

  • Appears as a luxurious figure: wears jewelry, crowns, luxurious robes, ornaments.

  • Often holds symbolic objects such as a kundika
    

• Buddha

  • Has reached enlightenment but not at final nirvana.

  • still active in the real world » represented through their jewelry, luxury, elegant clothing, and graceful poses

  • Usually shown in simpler monastic robes.

  • Less ornamented and more serene.

  • Often seated frontally in meditation or teaching poses.

  • Has water vessel (once in nirvana there are no more bodily needs)

Why Depict a Bodhisattva So Luxuriously?

• to portrayed as celestial beings

• expresses their divine status, compassion, and power to aid devotees.

• reflects  tastes of Koryŏ royal and aristocratic patrons who commissioned these paintings.

• Rich materials (jewelry, gold) and ornamentation were considered acts of religious merit and devotion.

examples of luxury items in Water-Moon Avalokiteśvara Paintings

• Kundika (kundīka) — ritual flask/vessel, often containing willow branches; one of Avalokiteshvara's main attributes

• Willow branches symbolize healing and purification.

• Lotus flowers and lotus buds arranged in the water

• Jeweled crown and ornaments worn by the bodhisattva.

significance of the Kundika

• A bronze or ceramic ritual water flask used in Buddhist ceremonies.

• Usually placed beside or held by Avalokiteśvara.

• Symbolizes purity, compassion, and the bodhisattva's ability to relieve suffering.

• Serves as one of the key identifying attributes of Avalokiteśvara in Koryŏ paintings.