This exquisite figure of Guanyin from early 20th century is masterfully carved from a single piece of pure, delicate white alabaster. The alabaster, known for its firm yet warm quality, lends a serene and ethereal beauty to the figure. Guanyin's oval face is framed by gentle upper eyebrows and slightly open, lowered eyes, conveying a sense of peace and introspection. Her features, including a straight and slightly high nose, small delicate lips, and long round ears, are finely detailed, exuding grace and compassion.
Her hair is styled in a high bun, and she wears a long-sleeved, pleated coat that fits closely to her body, enhancing her dignified and serene appearance. Guanyin is depicted holding a lotus flower in her right hand and a pearl in her left. She sits comfortably on a rock with bare feet, her expression calm, gentle, and dignified.
The lotus flower she holds is a powerful symbol of life, ever-renewing youth, eternity, purity, and divinity. It is also emblematic of feminine beauty and true purity, as the eye is the gateway to the soul.
Guanyin is a beloved figure in Chinese art, often depicted holding a flask or an alms bowl. In this particular representation, however, she holds a pearl, likely symbolizing the "pearl of light," and a lotus flower. The pearl is reminiscent of a tale from the 16th-century Chinese novel, Complete Tale of Avalokiteśvara and the Southern Seas, where the Dragon King presents Guanyin with a night-shining pearl in gratitude for saving his son's life. This pearl, which constantly emits light, allows Guanyin to read Buddhist scriptures by night.
This statue's free-standing pose first appeared in the Dragon King statue in the Ajahn Pagoda Grottoes and was later popularized in Tang Dynasty statues. It represents Guanyin’s compassionate nature, ready to respond to prayers and guide souls across the ocean of suffering.
With its intricate detailing, serene expression, and profound symbolism, this alabaster figure of Guanyin is a remarkable piece of art from the early 20th century, capturing the essence of compassion and serenity.
Dimensions:
Height: 6.58 in (16.7 cm)
Width: 4.14 in (10.5 cm)
Depth: 2.76 in (7 cm)
Materials and Techniques: Alabaster, Hand-Carved, Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin: China
Period: Early 20th Century
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. There are four small chips in the stone upon which Guanyin sits—one in the front, two in the back, and one on the side. These likely occurred during the hand-carving process.
