Chinese Wei Dynasty Stone Sculpture Bodhisattva Guanyin

East Asia, China, Northern Wei Dynasty, ca. 5th to 6th century CE. A fascinating grey limestone sculpture of the bodhisattva Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), "The Lord Who Gazes Down At The World", a sacred figure portrayed as both male or female who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. Skillfully carved with a tremendous amount of detail, the figure stands, his face serene, his body draped in elaborately-formed clothing and jewelry. He wears a dramatic curved crown with lotus flowers around it. This figure is sculpted to wear a multi-chained pearl cabochon necklace/harness that meets at his waist; this style was inspired by artistic conventions in Central Asia, while his robes and face are clearly native Chinese. Size: 9.35" W x 32.75" H (23.7 cm x 83.2 cm); 40.5" H (102.9 cm) on included custom stand.

The Wei Dynasty represents the beginning of Buddhist influence on Chinese art. It was made in a region of China that had a great deal of contact with the outside world and was ruled by foreign monarchs. Buddhist figures are portrayed as graceful and thin, draped in the robes of scholars. This elegant carving exemplifies that artwork style magnificently.

See a similar style of Guanyin sculpture at the Met: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/42718

Provenance: ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, ex Mass private collection formed in the 1980's

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.

#149404
Condition Report: Crown is repaired on one corner. Light deposits on surface and small chips, nicks, and scratches commensurate with age. Losses along the sides - to the arms and the flames at the feet - but overall the piece is well preserved with the details still in very nice condition.