[Illustration of the Bodhisattva Guanyin]

This page features a full-page woodcut illustration of the Bodhisattva Guanyin original: 观音; also known as Avalokiteshvara, the deity who "perceives the sounds of the world" to alleviate suffering. The deity is depicted here in a feminine form, a transition in iconography that became standard in China during the Song and Ming dynasties.

The Bodhisattva stands with a serene countenance atop a lotus pedestal original: 莲花座 (lianhuazuo); a central symbol in Buddhist art representing spiritual purity and the ability to rise above the "mud" of the material world. Her figure is draped in layered, flowing robes and heavenly sashes original: 天衣 (tianyi); these long, ribbon-like sashes are meant to suggest the ethereal movement of a celestial being. She is adorned with an ornate necklace and bracelets, with her hair styled in an elaborate topknot that holds a small, radiant jewel.

In her right hand, she delicately holds a slender Pure Water Vase original: 玉净瓶 (yujingping); this vessel contains the "sweet dew" or nectar of compassion, which the Bodhisattva uses to bless sentient beings and wash away their afflictions.

The entire image is framed by a rectangular border composed of a repeating pattern of flowers and trailing vines, which was a common decorative element in woodblock printing to signify the sacred nature of the subject.

Condition Note: This page shows significant foxing and brown staining throughout the paper fibers. You may also notice faint "ghosting" or transfer of text from the facing pages at the far left and right margins, caused by the pressure of the book being closed for many decades.