A
large and complex ivory carving in warm cream color well marked with striations
and layering, carved from the mid section of a large tusk. Depicting Quan Yin
mounted on the lion, surrounded by the Lokapala, the guardians of the four directions,
each carrying an identifying attribute, the entire scene set upon waves and seafoam.
Well carved and engraved with sumi, the dark hair of Quan Yin swept into a high
chignon fronted by a crown bearing the image of Amitabha, of whom she is an emanation,
with two braided locks falling onto her shoulders. Her right hand is held upward
in the kichijo-in mudra, a gesture of granting good fortune to the faithful. Her
left hand holds a stem of lotus. She is seated in royal ease upon the lion portrayed
with a flowing mane and curling tufted tail. Behind her head is a flaming mandorla
on the back of which is engraved a three-toed dragon among clouds.
The
four Lokapala are, at the lower right, Mo-li Ching, Guardian of the East, carrying
his jade ring and magic sword; upper left is Mo-li Hai, The Far-Gazer, Guardian
of the West, holding a lute that can be heard by the whole world. Upper right
is The Lord of Growth called Mo-li Hung, Guardian of the South gripping the Umbrella
of Chaos, which is formed of mystic pearls. The fourth Lokapala, at lower left,
is Mo-li Shou, Guardian of the North, who carries a pearl and a bag containing
a magical creature, here a miniature dragon, ready to fulfill his requests.