A LIMESTONE FIGURE OF GUANYIN, NORTHERN QI TO SUI DYNASTY

A LIMESTONE FIGURE OF GUANYIN, NORTHERN QI TO SUI DYNASTY

China, 550-618. Finely modeled standing on a rounded plinth. Dressed in long flowing robes gathered at the waist in neatly carved folds and suspending two bands tied in knots at the thighs and knees, the shoulders draped with a shawl. Richly adorned with beaded necklaces hanging from the neck. The serene face with heavy-lidded eyes and bow-shaped lips, flanked by long pendulous earlobes, the head surmounted by a high mitre crown and backed by an oval mandorla.

Provenance: From a noted European private collection, acquired in the US trade.
Condition: Fine good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations, losses, chips, cracks, ancient fills and repairs. Fine, naturally grown, smooth patina overall.

Dimensions: Height 40.4 cm (excl. base) and 42 cm (incl. base)

With an associated wood base. (2)

Literature comparison:
Compare a related stone figure of Guanyin, dated to the Northern Qi dynasty, 550-570, 88.9 cm tall, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number A.7-1913.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 19 September 2006, lot 138
Price: USD 33,600 or approx. EUR 47,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A stone figure of a Bodhisattva, Sui dynasty (581-618)
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of carving. Note the size (48.2 cm).