East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A striking hand carved and painted stone head depicting a bodhisattva donning an elaborate crown adorned with spiraling tendrils, a lovely beaded band (perhaps of pearls), floral motifs, and ribbons with wonderful remains of red, green, and yellow pigmentation. Her beautiful face is finely modeled with rounded facial planes, pursed lips, a philtrum above, somewhat downcast eyes, arched brows leading to an aquiline nose, long earlobes, and a fringe of black hair that is further embellished with finely incised lobes and drawn back beneath her crown. The head is further embellished with red pigment on the lips, black on the browline, as well as white pigment on the face, and black pigment on the coiffure. Size: 9.375" W x 13.6" H (23.8 cm x 34.5 cm); 17.2" H (43.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Bodhisattvas are among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and helping others achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. Traditionally depicted as less austere than Buddhas with graceful postures and elegant garments, a nod to the riches of the Northwestern Chinese Silk Road, this piece is no exception. Bodhisattvas or Guanyin are associated with compassion and mercy - their long ears significant, because they rescues all human beings by hearing their cries for help and the sounds of suffering.
Provenance: private collection of the late Karming Wong; approximate date of acquisition: late 1970 to early 1980
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#155871
Condition
This is a fragment of a larger statue. Areas of repair to one ear, lips, and back of head, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Losses to areas of neck line, back of head, and some raised areas as shown. Abrasions, chipping, and fading to original pigment, with nicks to neck line, face, and headdress, and light encrustations. Nice remains of original pigment throughout.