Forty-Two Hand Mantra of Guanyin

Title
Forty-Two Hand Mantra of Guanyin
Year/Period
Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Region
China
Object Type
Material
Dimension
Object size: Close: H9.5 x W14.5 x D1.7cm,
Object size: Open: H9.5 x W269.3cm
Accession No.
2005-00145
Credit Line
Gift of Laiyantang Collection in memory of Madame Wang Shen Chun Rong

This series comprises 20 squares of gold embossed images of the 42 gestures and attributes of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion. The 42 hand gestures, each holding an attribute is the summary representation of the powerful Guanyin of a Thousand Arms and a Thousand Eyes. Each of the attributes to a particular function which Guanyin is able to perform, when appealed to with the appropriate incantation.Sutras made of gold are very rare. Such a lavish form of sutra could have been meant as a gift for renowned visiting monks or for special temple ceremonies.