Antique Rare Consecrated Standing Songzi Guanyin with a Child, China, (5301)

Description

This beautiful and touching Ming/Qing carving of Guanyin is Songzi Guanyin (the “Child-Sending” Guanyin), accompanied by a young boy. The figure stands tall, her left hand gently resting on the shoulder of a small boy standing at her side and her right arm is raised and concealed within her long, flowing sleeve. Her hair is elegantly swept upward into a high, smooth topknot. According to the Lotus Sutra, Guanyin has 33 manifestations or forms, one of which is Songzi or Child Giving Guanyin. This form originated in the 16^th century and continued through the Qing dynasty based on the influence of Portuguese missionaries to China who brought with them images of Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus which were then replicated by Chinese artisans. It is covered with extensive original gilding (gold leaf) over a red lacquer foundation. The entire grouping stands on a log base painted in a vibrant red pigment.

AI Summary Comments

This statue is highly collectible, with distinct features that make it very attractive to buyers. Narrative provincial pieces with multiple figures generally carry a premium over single standing figures because they are rarer and tell a specific story.The extensive remains of gold lacquer give the piece a warm, gleaming presence. Collectors love the combination of exposed natural wood grain mixed with surviving areas of brilliant gold leaf.

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