Chinese Ming Stone Statue of Guanyin w/ Lotus Flower

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A gorgeous carved-stone statue of a Bodhisattva (also Guanyin, Guan Yin, Kuanyin in Chinese), the goddess of kindness, compassion, and mercy. Dressed in traditional garb, the elegant female is draped in a long robe that cascades down her figure in vertical pleats over a plain tunic and tied belt, while her chest is adorned with a double-strand, rope-patterned necklace boasting three lovely volutes and several plunging tassels. Her tranquil visage exhibits plump, bowed lips fixed in a gentle smile, a naturalistic nose with a low nasal bridge, and down-turned, slanted eyes under a sweeping brow. Skillfully carved with each strand of hair carefully delineated, an elaborate coiffure tops her head featuring two tightly-coiled ringlets that fall behind her ears and a bulbous top bun. A lovely ribbon with an ovoid pendant of Buddha wraps around her bun and ties in the back in a pair of bows with lengthy tails that drop over her sloped shoulders. Size: 22.5" W x 33.5" H (57.2 cm x 85.1 cm)

Her earlobes are elongated, according to tradition so that Guanyin can hear and respond to the suffering of all beings. Seated with her legs crossed in half lotus position, she holds a lotus flower with both hands. Note the artist's careful attention to detail demonstrated in the wrinkling flesh of her neck. Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), "The Lord Who Gazes Down At The World", is a bodhisattva portrayed as both male and female who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

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; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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#161539
Condition Report: Expected surface wear with light softening of detail, nicks/chips, and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with lovely mineral deposits throughout.