Antique Wood Guanyin in Meditation, China #16955BME

Description

During the Qing dynasty, small images of Guanyin were commissioned by provincial artisans that were more folk-like than regal to place on home altars along with other spiritual statues. This red lacquer and gilt covered provincial image in meditation has traditional symbols such as pendulous ears, simplified chignon and braids and is seated on a plain backless chair, but also has an elaborate headdress and decorative necklace of imperially sanctioned Guanyin images.  A Pure Land Buddhist statue, her 5-lobed crown is centered with radiating bars symbolizing Amitabha Buddha and his aureole that represents the flames of Buddhism. The sealed back cavity indicates it was consecrated. Much of the original polychrome, gilt and lacquer on the front and back remain, and it is in good condition with an aged patina, expected minor paint and lacquer losses, scratches, cracks and old insect damage consistent with its age.

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