China, Qing Dynasty (18th century)

Carved in the form of Guanyin, seated in the position of "Royal Ease", with one knee raised to support an extended arm. She is clothed in flowing robes that cover her head and body, and she holds an alms bowl. The bowl is a reminder that before the Buddha achieved enlightenment he wandered as a mendicant monk, and that although ordinary people may not be able to take such a holy path, they might garner merit for the next life by charitable acts in this life, such as the giving of alms.

H: 3 1/2in. (9cm.) excluding stand

Provenance: John Fang, Ji Zhen Zai Collection [literally, Collection of treasures of the Studio)

Exhibited: Chinese Scholar's Treasures from the Jizhen Zhai Collection, Chinese Culture Center, San Francisco, 1997

Published: Fang jing Pei, Treasures of the Chinese Scholar (Weatherhill, 1997), fig. 81, p.91.

Ref. SA374

Condition: Overall in good condition, with a beautiful dark patina. The later wooden base is secured with means of two ivory pegs drilled in the base of the figure.

SOLD