Brass bronze
China, 20th century
Representation of the goddess of compassion on a lotus cushion
Open work
Highly detailed bronze figure
Height: 45.5 cm
Good condition

This Chinese brass bronze figure depicts the goddess of compassion and kindness, bedded on a lotus cushion in the padmasana lotus position. She is rendered on a plinth, which is decorated with pearl strings and lotus leaves. The lion dog stands on the latter and carries on his back the deity. Guanyin is dressed in a richly pleated robe, precious jewelry covers her body and the open work bands are placed over the forearms. Lotus flowers climbs up to the shoulders and each lotus stem ends in the hands of the deity. They form at the same time the apana mudra. Guanyin has a slightly smiling and meditative expression. A crown adorns her head, which is tied at the back and the finely chased hair rises behind in a high bun.



The bronze is in good condition with slight signs of wear such as scratches and nicks here and there. The height measures 45.5 cm.



Guanyin

Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion, counts among the most venerated figures in Buddhism and is highly respected in Asian cultures. Initially a male figure, it transformed over the centuries to a maternal goddess with wondrous healing powers who bestows solace and luck. As a bodhisattva, Guanyin denied herself entrance into nirvana when she heard the laments of the mortals and helpfully returned to earth. Her name roughly means ‘observer of the cries of the world’. (lvp)

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