China, probably Hebei province
Head of Guanyin (Sanskrit: Avalokitesvara)
Late Northern Qi or Sui dynasty, late 6th 
century
Marble with traces of metal fittings at crown
ht.: 68.6 cm
Samuel M. Nickerson Collection, 1923.1114

This sculpture of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of mercy in the Buddhist religion (similar to a Christian saint), was probably made for a cave temple in northern China. The mark in the center of Guanyin’s forehead is an “urna,” from which the light of wisdom radiates. The sculpture’s smooth marble surface echoes the serene kindness of the bodhisattva’s expression. In the center of Guanyin’s crown is a sculpture of the seated Buddha Amituo, who shares with Guanyin a readiness to come to the aid of those who summon him.