Songzi Guanyin (Zi Guanyin) - Wood - China - 20th century

This wooden statue is a hand-carved representation of Guanyin (also known as Quan Yin), the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion. -Her right hand is raised in a variation of the Karana Mudra (driving away negativity and dispelling evil). Between her fingers she holds a small, round object. This probably represents a sacred pearl (the Cintamani, the wish-fulfilling jewel) or a symbol of fertility. -The wood shows small natural shrinkage cracks and wear marks consistent with an authentic old statue that has stood for years in a dry indoor space (such as an altar); there are also some poor restorations visible (see photos). -The bottom reveals that this is an authentic antique statue from the late Qing dynasty (ca. 1850–1900), and thus not a modern replica. -A wooden Chinese statue almost a meter tall (92 cm) is rare. Most household altar statues that have withstood the test of time are much smaller (often between 25 and 50 cm). This larger size suggests the statue was originally housed in a larger, prosperous family altar or perhaps even a small local temple. -Solid hardwood: The weight of over 5 kg proves that the statue is fully solid and carved from a heavy, dense wood. This also explains why it has withstood shrinkage and drying forces so well; lighter woods would by this height have long since split or hollowed out. Will be shipped registered and well packed.

Estimate:$47.04

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