Stone with partly polychrome color
China, Liao dynasty (912-1125)
Oval face with narrow eyes and a small mouth
Voluminous hair with elaborately draped headdress
About the wide forehead a ribbon with an overhead seated Amitayus
On black wooden base (later)
Height (without base): 26 cm
Condition consistent with age
Provenance: Collection of Jack Zuberbühler, Switzerland
Object is regular taxed. Differential taxation is not possible

The face with a narrow mouth and luscious hairstyle is a typical work of the Liao dynasty. Compare pieces from the exhibition ‘Gilded Splendor. Treasures of China's Liao Empire (907-1125)’, Asia Society, New York, 2006, pp 262-65, no. 70a and 70b and from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inventory no. 45.174.48). Archaeologists discovered similar stone heads in 1986 during excavations of the foundations of the Wanbu-Huayanjing pagoda.



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’.

Condition: The stone head is in fair condition consistent with age. The height measures 26 cm.

Provenance: Collection of Jack Zuberbühler, Switzerland

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