Antique Guanyin, Amitabha in Crown (16837)

Description

This standing Guanyin reflects the Mahayana Buddhism Pure Land tradition popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties which holds the belief that Guanyin guides devotees upon their death to Amitabha Buddha’s Western Paradise where they may be reborn until ready for enlightenment. This provincial folk art representation that placed on home altars and temples in areas outside imperial influence.  She is a syncretic figure,  a true blend of Buddhist, Taoist and Popular Religion traditions, displaying a unique view of Guanyin as one of the Great Chinese Goddesses. (Irvin)

Guanyin here is a modest, charming and approachable female with rustic attire. The indented urna (third eye) on her forehead would have held a cut glass. Her high crown is centered with seated Amitabha Buddha surrounded by swirling florals and her  pendulous ears indicate her enlightenment.  Other than that, this is truly an idiosyncratic provincial carving reflecting the unique renderings and blendings of a non traditional artisan. Her right hand is in an identifiable mudra and she carries an object covered by a ritual cloth  mainly seen in Taoist images. While the three-part attire on the front is tied at the waist and draped at different levels, the carved back is different with its scalloped black top, high belt, pointed shoulder cape and layering that also show Taoist influence. Lively multicolored ribbons extend down the side and back of the pedestal rather than the traditional heavenly celestial ribbons that generally float above and behind the heads of enlightened and celestial beings.

This unique folk art gem is in very good condition, with typical signs of age and use – flaked pigments and faded surfaces. The front robes were repainted long ago in vivid colors, a common practice with older carvings, especially spiritual ones. Deteriorated areas of the platform have been stabilized on a frosted Acrylic stand.

Sources:
Lee Irwin, “Divinity and Salvation: The Great Goddesses of China,” in Asian Folklore Studies, Indiana University, Vol. 49, 1990, pp 53-68.