Visual Metaphor and Image Interpretation of “Guan-Yin-Ma-Lian”

Abstract

From the perspective of production technology, the god image usually has two manifestations: paintings and sculptures, while there are two main forms of paintings: murals and prints. In this paper, the engravings of gods named “Guan-yin-ma-lian” (觀音媽聯) were taken as the research object. The origin of “Guan-yin-ma-lian” is traced back. The form of plane composition of this type of engraving is analyzed from the perspective of iconology. The image of Mazu (媽祖) and its implied meaning in “Guan-yin-ma-lian” are discussed from the perspective of folk beliefs. As one of the plane images of Mazu, “Guan-yin-ma-lian” is not only a very important religious art in folk culture, but also an important link closely connecting Mazu belief circles at home and abroad. It is also an important cultural asset of Chinese people who worship Mazu.