The Influence of Lay Buddhism on the Paintings of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara

Abstract

The image of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara, was first created during the localization of Buddhism in China and water and the moon as symbols of Zen emptiness has been capturing the imagination of later generations. During the Song and Yuan dynasties when Zen Buddhism was further spread under the patronage of lay Buddhists, the paintings of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara started to be admired as aesthetic works, into which scholar-officials projected their thoughts and feelings. Artists in the Song and Yuan dynasties borrowed the painting techniques from paintings themed with Gaoshi (high-minded scholars), which resulted in the increasing resemblance of Avalokitesvara to lay Buddhists.