Santa Maria Maggiore's Madonna icon of Rome and its story with China: reconsidering the complexity of Mary and Guanyin and its global significance
Journal
Rivista degli Studi Orientali (RSO)
Journal Volume
XCIII (93)
Journal Issue
4
Pages
61-82
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract
This research investigates the meaning of the Madonna/Guanyin dual iconography, exemplified in a Chinese version of the Santa Maria Maggiore’s Madonna icon of Rome, from a historical and religious perspective. The indigenization of the Madonna is typically thought as a cultural accommodation, but little is known regarding the nature of the confusion between Madonna and Guanyin and its significance. Although the Chinese version has the iconic features of the White-robed Guanyin, the religious meanings of Mary and Guanyin are actually divergent. The most prominent Catholic figure to challenge Guanyin, who was among the most popular goddesses as a savior, was actually Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, the Xi’an duplicate provides evidence of relationship between Mary and Guanyin. If the missionaries acquiesced the dual iconography, they were somehow ambiguous in their attitudes toward local Chinese religions. The translation or transformation between the Madonna and Guanyin also involves the religious discourses of both figures.
Type
journal article