Five Dynasties period

The Five Dynasties period (907–960 CE) was a time of political fragmentation in China following the fall of the Tang dynasty. Despite the instability of the era, artistic and cultural traditions continued to develop, laying foundations for the cultural achievements of the subsequent Song dynasty.

Potala Guanyin Buddhist sculpture from China, 900s CE

Potala Guanyin (900s CE)

Antiquities Asia China Sculpture

Carved from precious sandalwood during China's tumultuous Five Dynasties period in the 900s, this portable figure depicts Potala Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion (known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit), who resides on the mythical Mount Potala.