The main deity in this painting is the Kuan-yin of One thousand Arms and Eyes. A host of Buddhas is seen in the clouds above. The Four Heavenly Kings hold up the Bodhisattva's lotus pedestal while the Eight Deva Kings line up in two files to the side. A moustache can be seen on Kuan-yin's upper lip, though already the form and manner of the deity has become soft and feminine. In each of Kuan-yin's one thousand hands is a single eye, and at the t op of the head dress of 32 faces is an image of the Amitabha Buddha. Some of the hands make gestures while others hold ritual objects. These symbolize the state of true awakening and enlightenment of Kuan-yin. Kuan-yin with many heads and arms comes from esoteric Buddhism, which entered T'ang China under Kao-tsu(r.618-626). The top of Kuan-yin's head has 26 heads of bodhisattvas and one of a Buddha. Kuan-yin had 1,000 hands, each of which has an eye in the palm. A visualization of Kuan-yin's ability to see and assist all, this work reflects the deity's compassionate nature.