Brennpunkt Asien - Europäische Reisediplomatie und Kolonialismus in Fernost

Explanations for this object

Depiction of Songzi Guanyin with child, to her right a vase, to her left a sutra book. At the base two sculpturally modelled dragons between the acolytes Longnü (dragon girl) and Shancai Tongzi (golden boy). European missionaries preferred to spread the image of the Mother of God in China instead of the crucifix because she resembled the bodhisattva Guanyin, who is said to fulfil the desire for male offspring. Because of the resemblance, Guanyin figures were often coloured and worshipped as Madonnas in Europe.

Author: Daniel Suebsman