1 of 6

Ming Dynasty Wooden Polychromed Guanyin

$150,000List Price

About the Item

Buddhism was introduced to China from India in the early years of the first millennium. This statue represents the bodhisattva of mercy, known as Avalokiteshvara (or Guanyin in Chinese). Bodhisattvas were originally depicted as the Buddha’s attendants but increasingly came to be venerated in their own right. Usually dressed in elaborate attire, bodhisattvas were enlightened beings who had chosen to delay their entry into Nirvana to help other sentient beings end the cycle of birth and rebirth. Avalokiteshvara is identifiable by the small seated Buddha that appears in the headdress. This figure was immensely popular in China and it has been estimated that by the Tang period the number of images outnumbered those of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. Although Buddhist texts do not specify the gender of bodhisattvas, the early examples tend to be male. From the end of the Song dynasty (1279) this trend was reversed and by the Ming period such images are clearly feminine. In this sculpture Avalokiteshvara is seated on a carved base resembling the trunk of a tree. The figure’s left leg is positioned downwards, resting on a protruding plinth. The right leg is bent inwards on the stand with the sole of the foot revealed. The positioning of the arms, one raised and one lowered, lends the figure a pleasing visual balance. The wrists are adorned with red bracelets and in both hands the thumb rests lightly against the middle finger. Other traditional attributes also appear, such as the elongated ears and the dot (urna) on the forehead symbolising understanding. The facial expression is especially serene with its large closed eyelids. The overall effect is one of immense calm and meditation. The appeal of this object is enhanced by the considerable remains of the original polychromy. In particular, red and green pigments adorn the headdress and the delicately carved drapery. This has been expertly chiselled to fall over the front of the base and is highlighted with gilding. The use of gold is most elaborate on the fabric covering the knees where it outlines two twisting dragons set among the clouds. Also remarkable is the care lavished on the beads below this. They are carved almost entirely in the round. This piece is an expression of religiosity but also a demonstration of exquisite skill. The celestial scarf, for example, which falls towards the waist length tunic gives the impression of real fabric. There is also an attention to detail on the reverse of the figure. Although it is not known where this sculpture would have been displayed, the care taken over the folds of the shoulder mantle on the reverse suggest that it would have been visible from both sides.

Dimensions:
Height: 40 in (101.6 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
Style:
Ming (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Carved
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
1368 AD-1644 AD
Condition:
Very Fine Condition.
Seller Location:
Beverly Hills, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: AM.01601stDibs: LU232336301623

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Early 20th Century Ming Dynasty-inspired Guanyin Wooden Sculpture

$4,200

H 30 in W 24 in D 14 in

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

Located in ARMADALE, VIC

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity in the back...

Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

$1,150

Free Shipping

H 13.59 in W 4.93 in D 3.55 in

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

Located in ARMADALE, VIC

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in the Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity in the ba...

Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

$1,190

Free Shipping

H 13 in W 4.73 in D 2.96 in

Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century

Located in Austin, TX

An attractive carved wood figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as Guanyin in China, late Ming Dynasty, early 17th century, China. Guanyi...

Category

Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century

$4,200

H 14 in W 6.75 in D 5 in

A large wood Buddha/Guanyin with traces of pigments Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

By Master

Located in Vienna, AT

A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN WITH TRACES OF PIGMENTS MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) The bodhisattva is shown seated in padmasana, wearing long flowing ro...

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

A large wood Buddha/Guanyin with traces of pigments Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

$9,539

H 23.63 in W 17.72 in D 9.85 in

Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva Gilded Wood Carving - Ming Dynasty, China 1368-1644 AD

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Magnificent Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva seated in Royal Relaxation pose hand-carved in Gilded Wood with traces of paint still visible. This expressi...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva Gilded Wood Carving - Ming Dynasty, China 1368-1644 AD

$5,625

H 13 in W 5 in D 4.25 in

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China

Located in Austin, TX

A decidingly charming Chinese polychromed and gilt cast bronze figure of Nanhai Guanyin, Guanyin of the South Sea, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th century, China. Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed here as a beatific figure seated upon a raised lotus pedestal over waves. Guanyin is dressed in heavy robes, and wears an elaborate headdress. The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the headdress positively identifies this figure as Guanyin. Guanyin rests one hand in his lap, holding a cup of pure water said to be able to alleviate all suffering. His other hand is raised, holding a willow branch which is used to sprinkle the healing waters. The two lotus blossoms to either side of Guanyin would originally have supported figures of the acolytes...

Category

Antique Early 1600s Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China

$9,800

H 13.25 in W 8.25 in D 5 in

Ming Dynasty Very Rare Wooden Bust of Lohan

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Very serene depiction of a Lohan carved in wood, eroded with the pass of time. Lohan is the Chinese term, derived from the Sanskrit word Arhan, for a disciple or follower of Buddha w...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Ming Antiquities

Ming Dynasty Very Rare Wooden Bust of Lohan

$15,000

H 17 in W 14 in D 8 in

Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda

Located in Austin, TX

Ananda is portrayed in a typical fashion, as a youthful monk with a shaved head and dressed in simple robes. He stands upon a double lotus pedestal with hands clasped in front of him...

Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda

$12,500

H 19 in Dm 6 in

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

Located in ARMADALE, VIC

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity in...

Category