Kuan Yin, "The One Who Hears the Cries of the World" is the Goddess of Compassion, she is one of the most popular deities throughout Asia. The statue is exquisitely carved from a single block of camphor wood, using an unique Chinese formula of gesso and sawdust mixture, the statue is meticulously detailed with ultra fine embossed motifs, and ornamental jewel chains that festoon the edges of her robes. The application of gold foil and lacquer; completed with layers of gilt and polychrome finishing created an effect reminiscent of gilt bronze sculpture. However, this time consuming exclusive artistry is becoming increasingly rare in the post revolutionary China.