Guanyin. Vietnam, late 19th century

Guanyin. Vietnam, late 19th century
Carved in wood, in one piece.
Polychrome composed of black lacquer and gold gilt finish on the drapery and throne, silver plated on details.
Flesh covered with gold.
It has cracks throughout its length, chipping and scratches.
Measurements: 82 cm x 26 cm x 22 cm.

Full body sculpture, carved in round bulk and in one piece. It represents GuanYin, the bodhisattva of compassion. She wears a draped robe skillfully carved and her face, covered with a golden patina, has symmetrical features that exude serene beauty. Her hair is tied up in a bun. Her feet are perched on a lotus flower represented in a synthetic and geometrical form. The lotus flower symbolizes purity, one of Guanyin's attributes. The goddess is venerated by the Buddhists of East Asia. As a result of syncretism, it is commonly accepted that her figure is the female counterpart of Avalokitesvara, the Hindu bodhisattva of compassion. The first Buddhist monk to refer to Guanyin in feminine form was Kumarajiva, when translating the Lotus Sutra into Chinese in 406 AD. With the introduction of Vajrayana Buddhism in China during the Tang dynasty, in the VIII century, the representation of Avalokitesvara as a beautiful female figure grew in popularity.

COMMENTS

It has cracks along its entire length, flaking and scratches.