This
carving of a girl gently leaning forward, with a small brocade of flowers clinging
halfway on the digging tool which she held in her right hand, and left arm carries
a basket full of water-lilies is not an uncommon theme; even thought the simplicity
in her peasant clothes may had suggested that she is a common mortal. However,
judging from her flowing ribbons and fairy like mannerism, which indicated that
she is a fairy, a Kwan Yin reincarnation, perhaps more likely one of the Taoist
Immortal often depicted gathering waterlily in the depth of remote forest in Chinese
folklore and mythology .
Standing
at 11.5" tall, this large statue is a fine example of the extraordinary elegance
in classic romanticism that spanned 600 years since the Ming Dynasty (1368). The
carving is likely created in the early Republic China. The statue has a beautiful
cream white color, and appears to be 50-75 years of age. It has been carved from
a single elephant tusk. There is no damage or hairlines, and is in perfect condition.