Ming/Qing Carving of Guanyin with a Child, China, H: 26″

Description

This beautiful and touching Ming/Qing carving of Guanyin is a rare depiction in carved Buddhist statues. 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 adapted into images of Guanyin holding a child. In Songzi images she sits holding the baby in her lap or in her arms.  Although there are standing images of Guanyin holding a baby, the child here is older and standing.  This unique image is a Popular Religion carving by a provincial artisan, who departed from imperially sanctioned images in form, iconography and style. It is likely Guanyin shown with pendulous ears of an enlightened being, down cast half-closed eyes and a crown like headpiece depicted as humble and modestly clad. She glances down at the child with tenderness while he looks up for assurance and protection. Most of the original red, gilt and lacquer coating remains on front and back and is in excellent condition with expected cracks and wood and paint losses.  The back cavity indicates it was consecrated by a Buddhist monk in an eye-opening-ceremony and placed on a home altar or shrine for personal devotion. Mounted on a stand, this statue was featured in a Vanishingarts.gallery Instagram post.