Antique Silver Hued Guanyin in Meditation, China (16082XSKE) SPECIAL PRICE

Description

This magnificent carving represents Guanyin the Bodhisattva of Compassion, the most revered female Mahayana Buddhist devotional figure in Buddhist countries in Asia since the 4^th century. As a Celestial Bodhisattva she has attained enlightenment but chose to postpone enter nirvana, the place of perfect peace and happiness, to help all beings regardless of status, gender or life style to attain their personal enlightenment. Like many Mahayana Buddhist statues, she sits in meditation, hands gently resting in her lap with right above left with palms facing upwards in the dhyana or samadhi mudra of meditation legs in lotus position (padmasana) with soles of the feet up. This pose is considered perfect balance which calms the brain and increases awareness and focus . She is meditating on the Buddha’s teachings (the dharma) and the path to attain spiritual perfection referred to as bodhi or “awakening”. This is the pose the Buddha was in when he became fully aware (enlightened) and reached enlightenment (nirvana). Portrayed as a beautiful but modest young woman, her square-shaped face framed by her pendulous but delicate ears and humbly downcast almond-shaped eyes evoke an aura of serenity and compassion. This beautiful 18th century carving recalls Song Dynasty pieces in which the figures were purposefully elongated in a style that was not only the popular style at the time but also a period considered by the Chinese to represent the apogee of Chinese art and elegance. The image was originally covered with red and gold lacquer now faded and transmuted into an almost silver hue with a soft patina. It is in excellent condition with the expected minor losses.