“The Dharma-body of Kuan-Yin
Is neither male nor female.
Even the body is not a body,
What attributes can there be?....
Let it be known unto all Buddhists:
Do not cling to form.
The Bodhisattva is you:
Not the picture or the image.”
Kuan-Yin, the Chinese female version of the male Bodhisattva Avalokiteshwara, embodies the Buddhist vision of Bodhisattvas as enlightened individuals sacrificing for the betterment of the entire human race. Kuan-Yin also underlines the mutability of a religious idea, whose power is beyond the differences in gender and region. Compassion, benevolence and the will to guard are virtues associated with the figure of a mother, from the beginning of culture, a sensibility that led to the transformation of Avalokiteshwara to Kuan-Yin, in the practices of Chinese Buddhism.
Delicately carved, this wooden statue Kuan-Yin statue is a visualization of the Bodhisattva, seated under a curved tree trunk- probably a willow tree. In this form, Kuan-Yin is shown with a stem of the willow tree in her hand, as seen in this statute. The branch is believed to drive away sickness and is a part of the forty-two insignias of Kuan-Yin. In her right hand, the Bodhisattva holds a rosary.
The divinely tranquil countenance of Kuan-Yin reminds us of the various images of Avalokiteshwara- compassion springing from their expressions. The carvings made for the robes of Kuan-Yin gracefully mingle with the patterns of the willow tree trunk, bringing a sophisticated artistic quality to the wood icon. Kind-hearted and motherly in appearance, this wooden representation of Kuan-Yin is created keeping in mind the rules of Feng-shui, to bring her reassuring presence to your space.
How to care for Wood Statues?
Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.
It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.
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