Personal Shrine with Bodhisattva Gwaneum (Avalokiteshvara) and Guardian Figure

10th-12th century

This tiny shrine contains an image of the Bodhisattva Gwaneum (Avalokiteshvara) accompanied by a guardian in military garb. When the sliding cover was in place, the image was protected and the shrine could be carried by a faithful Buddhist. Such portable devotional items likely served both as focal points for prayer and as amulets, protecting the wearer through the constant presence of the Bodhisattva.