Chinese Ming Stone Portrait of Guanyin
East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644. An incredible bust-length relief portrait of a Guanyin (also Guan Yin or Kuan Yin), finely carved from a grey stone in an oval format and delineated in low to high relief. Quite striking, Guanyin's visage is depicted with closed eyes, elegantly arched brows, a naturalistic nose, and full heart-shaped lips, all topped by an elaborate updo adorned with an avian headdress. The bird likely represents a peacock, thought to be a manifestation of the heavenly phoenix in the terrestrial realm - the one hundred eyes of its tail believed to symbolize Kuan Yin's thousand eyes. In addition, Guanyin is bedecked with ribbon-like hair ornaments and lavish earrings, as well as a beaded necklace with a central pendant. Finally, the composition is surrounded by a beautiful border incised with stylized lotus flowers symbolic of purity. Much of the portrait is further embellished with red pigment. Size: 13.25" L x 10.625" W (33.7 cm x 27 cm); 16.375" H (41.6 cm) on included custom stand.
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.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, purchased in Hong Kong in the 1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#150950
Condition Report: Loss to the lower section of the portrait. Chips to peripheries. Expected surface wear but nice details and remains of pigmentation.
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East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644. An incredible bust-length relief portrait of a Guanyin (also Guan Yin or Kuan Yin), finely carved from a grey stone in an oval format and delineated in low to high relief. Quite striking, Guanyin's visage is depicted with closed eyes, elegantly arched brows, a naturalistic nose, and full heart-shaped lips, all topped by an elaborate updo adorned with an avian headdress. The bird likely represents a peacock, thought to be a manifestation of the heavenly phoenix in the terrestrial realm - the one hundred eyes of its tail believed to symbolize Kuan Yin's thousand eyes. In addition, Guanyin is bedecked with ribbon-like hair ornaments and lavish earrings, as well as a beaded necklace with a central pendant. Finally, the composition is surrounded by a beautiful border incised with stylized lotus flowers symbolic of purity. Much of the portrait is further embellished with red pigment. Size: 13.25" L x 10.625" W (33.7 cm x 27 cm); 16.375" H (41.6 cm) on included custom stand.
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.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, purchased in Hong Kong in the 1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#150950
Condition Report: Loss to the lower section of the portrait. Chips to peripheries. Expected surface wear but nice details and remains of pigmentation.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
