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Sino
Tibetan Polychrome Gilt Iron
Quan Yin
Avalokiteshvara
Bodhisattva
Qing Dynasty, circa:
18-19th century
H
16 in.(41cm), W 5 in.(12.5cm), D 4 in.(10cm)
Condition: minor losses A
beautifully carved and detailed Quan Yin, goddess of compassion, standing in samapada
asana on a double lotus base. Face, hands and feet are gilded with much of the
gold remaining. The hair rises to a high chignon with side locks that trail in
rippling tendrils down her shoulders. Her tall body is adorned with an intricate
necklace and pendants, robes with scrolling foliate embroideries and celestial
scarves that drape from the arms to form loops at the base on either side of the
figure. The left hand is raised in a teaching gesture, the right is lowered in
abaya mudra and may have held a bowl or water vase She looks downward with a gentle
smile, searching for suffering beings whom she aids and comforts. There is extensive
red paint remaining on the crown, outer robes and lotus base. The inner robe bears
a greenish cast which is attributable to age. Upright and curvilinear, this work
is a good example of Ming style, and has an appealing lyrical grace. Private Collection |
