East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A stunning statue carved from marble depicting a pair of Guanyin (also Guan Yin), the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy who is venerated by Mahayana Buddhists and some Chinese folk religions. Presenting atop an integral platform, each elegant instance of Guanyin is draped in a lengthy robe belted around her waist, a flowing skirt held up along the outside by one hand, and the inside hand raised in the vitarka mudra pose while draped with a sash. An elegant crown rests above curved bangs while the remainder of the hair is up in a bun above the floral central medallion. Their serene faces exhibit downcast eyes, full lips, and lengthy ears, and behind each head is an almond-shaped mandorla. Size: 19.75" W x 38.25" H (50.2 cm x 97.2 cm); 53.5" H (135.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), "The Lord Who Gazes Down At The World", is a bodhisattva originally portrayed as male, but in the Chinese tradition Guanyin's compassionate qualities were associated with the maternal character of the Mother Goddess, and Guanyin is often depicted as female. Bodhisattvas are among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and helping others achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. Traditionally depicted as less austere than Buddhas with graceful postures and elegant garments, a nod to the riches of the Northwestern Chinese Silk Road, this piece is no exception. Bodhisattvas or Guanyin are associated with compassion and mercy - their long ears significant, because they rescue all human beings by hearing their cries for help and the sounds of suffering.

Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired in Bath, England in the 1980s; ex-private old English collection

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#177450

Abrasions, nicks, and chips to most surfaces, with deep extraction carving marks on verso, softening to finer details, and wear along one side of one mandorla, otherwise in great condition.