Monumental Chinese Ming Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin

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Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Feb 13, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-02-13 10:00:00 2020-02-13 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-4848
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• Lot Description
  East Asia, China, late Ming to early Qing dynasties, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A lifesize, hand-carved, three-dimensional, wooden portrayal of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The surface is fully lacquered and would once have been brightly colored, though age has given it a rich, dark wood glow with the colors barely differentiated. This sculpture would have been set into a niche in a temple, and there is a small square opening in the back that would have held prayer scrolls. Devout Buddhists would have visited it and placed offerings before it. Size: 20" L x 27" W x 48" H (50.8 cm x 68.6 cm x 121.9 cm)
  
  Guanyin, known outside China as Avalokitesvara, "The Lord Who Gazes Down At The World", is often portrayed as both male or female, and the soft features and androgynous body of this example gives an impression of ethereal beauty. Guanyin sits atop a throne whose details are mainly hidden by the voluminous drapes and folds of his robes, but which appears to be a part of nature, with wave-like curls visible under the lower foot. Guanyin raises one leg up to perch atop the throne and serve as a rest for one arm; the other arm leans back on the throne and the figure is slightly hunched, head down, as if contemplating or listening closely. Atop Guanyin's head is a crown featuring a seated Buddha and other Buddhist symbols all carved in relief. The bodhisattva also wears a beautiful necklace and large bracelet and armlet, giving the entire sculpture a sumptuous appearance.
  
  In Buddhist belief, Bodhisattvas are among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and helping others achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. For example, Guanyin's long ears are significant, in order to hear the cries of the suffering and rescue them. In Chinese art from this time period and earlier, they are 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.
  
  Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Mark Kobiachi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1980-2000
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
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  #152573

  Condition

  The wood is weathered commensurate with age, including some small cracks on the surface and losses to the peripheries, notably around the bottom. The extended arm may have repaired at the wrist though if so it is incredibly well done and difficult to tell. Small surface fissure on the chest that does not seem in danger of peeling away. Overall in very nice condition.
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