Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China #16151LME

Description

Lee Irvin calls Guanyin one of the Great Chinese Goddesses who are imperially sanctioned and epitomize the feminine role of compassionate protectors who grant health, long life and safety to all regardless of their social position. Here she in the lotus position (padmasana)  with bare feet upward and hands in front of the heart in anjali (divine offering), the mudra of prayer, reverence, respect. She is in modest provincial style with symbols of bodhisattva status: a 5-lobed diadem, hair in a chignon, braids draping down her shoulders, and a plain robe, although she is covered in guilt . Her unique two-part lotus throne (padmapitha) is covered with  lotus pedals, the Buddhist symbol of purity, spontaneous generation, divine birth, flowering of the mind, and freedom from the world’s darkness. The carved back cavity is sealed with the cover indicating it was consecrated. In good condition commensurate with its age with most of its gilt, pigment, and lacquer extant, it has expected minor chips, hairline cracks, and paint and lacquer losses.

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