This immense, beautifully carved and gilded Quan Yin (Japanese: Kannon) depicts the Chinese deity standing in an erect but relaxed cant, the slight curve of her figure bringing her hands to the fore of attention. In her right hand rests a pearl of wisdom, and from her left dangles a string of prayer beads. A carved through pedestal, made from dragon and lotus leaf, gives the impression of the goddess floating just above the earth. Its life-like presence denotes its Chinese origins, whose carver’s skills tend to favor a human presence over formal symbolism.
The color design of this piece is remarkable. Her pien-fu is covered with a bronze patina and highlighted with an brushed hillside and flowers motiff, while her red lacquered skin has held up well over time, particularly her shining and rounded face. Gold leaf gesso additions to the wood make up the trim of her dress and wrap around rolling folds of cloth. Though there are some age cracks, the piece remains sublime, and is in good condition overall.