Antique Rare White Robed Guanyin on a Hǒu, China (16963)

Description

This extremely unique and charming White Robed Guanyin sits on a Hǒu (Hou), the mythical master of the universe, intermediary between heaven and humans, symbol of righteousness and morality, and the mandate to usher in peace and prosperity. The Hǒu here resembles a Buddhist lion with its open roaring mouth emphasizing the power of Guanyin over the forces of nature.  In Mahayana Buddhism the Hǒu resides on sacred Mount Sumeru with a lotus on each side holding Buddhist rosary prayer beads. Although generally a forceful beast, this gentle Buddhist creature is curled around Guanyin’s side. Guanyin sits in lalitsana her right hand clasping a rosary. Her mature face leans forward with half closed eyes and smiling lips. As a provincial folk deity Guanyin modestly dressed and devoid of jewels. Surviving Guanyin images with her on a Hǒu are rare.  They were syncretic images , worshipped on home shrines and in temples by Buddhist, Taoist and Popular Religion devotees.  In Popular Religion the Hǒu is revered for its ability to gather and guard money for its masters and defend them from evil, so this consecrated image was probably placed on a home altar. Finely carved from one dense piece of wood, it retains much of its gilt, polychrome, and lacquer. It is mounted on a frosted Acrylic base.

AI Market Valuation Summary

AI rates this piece as  Significant  Collectors Value for the following reasons:

Guanyin riding her sacred beast, the Hou is a very rare composition. The 18th-century dating (mid-Qing Dynasty) is confirmed by the stylistic treatment of the drapery, the specific shape of the hood, and the heavy gesso underlayer supporting the remaining gold leaf gilding. Its natural textured patina from the degradation of the gesso, red lacquer underlayer gracefully overlaid by gold leaf has developed gracefully over centuries. The hand-chiseled tool markings and the dark, naturally oxidized patina deep inside the consecration cavity attest to its authentic craftsmanship.

Click here for the Blog Consecrating Wooden Images to Imbue Them with A Life Force.