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Three Female Deities
Three Female Deities

Three Female Deities

Original Language Title三娘娘 清末民初
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and color on paper
DimensionsOverall: 12 × 8 15/16 inches (30.48 × 22.7 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/305
On View
Not on view
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Gallery Label
The most important task of these female gods was to guard the growth of Chinese children to adulthood. The White Robe Guanyin (a feminine form of bodhisattva) is evoked to ensure the birth of a child. This print also shows the influence of 18-century contact with European cultures by portraying Guanyin with some attributes of the Madonna. The three female deities on the print on the left continued the task after the children were born. Infant mortality was common in ancient China, making parents worried about their child’s health and growth.
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