A handsome black patina distinguishes this graceful Quan Yin seated in the posture of royal ease on a double lotus throne. The goddess of compassion and mercy, she is adorned with jeweled necklaces, armbands, bracelets and a jeweled girdle which clasps her dhoti, the only garment she wears. Her hair is swept up into the traditional high chignon, her crown is ornamented with floral and foliate forms, her delicate face gazes down upon the suffering of sentient beings, to give them solace. The bottom of the piece is sealed and inscribed with a double dorje, signifying that a ceremony was held to call the deity into the sculpture which was then consecrated and sealed, possibly containing relics or prayers inside.

Private Collection