The Bodhisattva Guanyin, one of the most beloved deities in the Buddhist tradition, is the embodiment of compassion and loving-kindness who hears the cries of all beings. She has a central place in Buddhist homes of China and Japan where her name is Kannon. In Guanyin Images her face is always gentle, calm and sweet, reflecting infinite wisdom, serenity, love and compassion and has the capacity to calm those who are angry or in despair, comfort those who are sorrowful, and brings forth feelings of love, devotion and contentment. Her almond eyes are shown half-closed which indicates her perfect harmony of outer and inner life: half of her vision focuses on the outer world, while the other half is focuses internally for self-reflection. She is often shown in lalitsana, the position of royal ease symbolizing that as a regal personage, she presides over the material world and its possessions as well as the spiritual world. She often hold a scroll which may represent the dharma which she constantly reads or the Lotus Sutra that focuses on Guanyin as protector of the world in the time between the departure of Buddha Shakyamuni and the appearance of the future Buddha, Maitreya. Buddhist statues of enlightened beings are placed in temples, monasteries or home shrines as a reminder of the spiritual potential inherent within all of us.In the Ming and Qing Dynasties she became a popular Taoist and Popular/Folk Religion cult figure where local artisans created a new genre dressed in humble robes and simple features blending spiritual and folk traditions. Of her 33 manifestations, the most common at that time were Nanhai Guanyin, Songzi Guanyin and White Robed Guanyin. Lee Irvin includes her as one of the Chinese Great Goddesses along with Mazu and the Queen of the West, all strong female deities who help those in distress no matter what their status.
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Nanhai Guanyin in her Cave in lalitsana, below draped moss arch holding a scrolls, next to vial of humanity’s tears and parrot, her constant companion. Small Nanhai images with these symbols are very rare.
Rare magnificent Nanhai Guanyin on Mount Putuo seated as a triad with acolytes Shan Tsai hands in prayer and the Dragon Princess offering the “illuminating pearl.” Consecrated by a Buddhist monk and mounted on an Acrylic base is one of our favorite VA collection carvings.
Rare provincial carving of Guanyin in lalitsana clasping a rosary on a mythical Hǒu that symbolizes righteousness, morality and ushers in peace and prosperity. Small yet powerful, consecrated and mounted on Acrylic base.
Delicate white robed Guanyin in meditation on radiating lotus throne. Provincial humble, modest, relatable, yet beautiful matronly figure.
Rare and beautiful provincial Songzi Guanyin is modest, compassionate and humble with lotus leaf crown, unadorned robe and pedestal with simple leaves. Her baby resembles the infant Buddha. Was probably in a temple setting or on a home altar of wealthy couple desiring a (male) baby.
White Clad Guanyin sits in royal ease her hands in karana mudra on her lap to expel evil, remove problems and rid sickness or other negativities. This powerful mudra is rarely used for Guanyin images. The cavity Consecrated for home altar use.
Magnificent example of fine provincial Buddhist statues. Made to be seen in the round, her garment has delicate incised leaves and leaf motifs on front, back, and sleeves. High pointed crown with the Five Tantric Dhyani Buddhas, rare in provincial Guanyins.
Consecrated red lacquer and gilt home altar provincial Guanyin, elaborate 5-lobed crown centered with radiating bars symbolizing Amitabha Buddha and his aureole that represent the flames of Buddhism.
Splendid, large Guanyin statue on lotus throne likely placed in a prominent position in a Buddhist Temple or shrine. In meditation, eyes cast down, realistic with graceful benevolent postures and facial expressions. Sophisticated decorative Ming/Qing style with crown, jewelry reflect her regal status.
Rare provincial image of Guanyin tenderly holding a young child’s hand is a rare representation of Songzi “Child-Giving Guanyin”. Consecrated with vibrant gilt and red surface in front and back.
Rare provincial consecrated carving of Nanhai Guanyin on a lotus, representing purity of the mind, above a fish symbolizing her power to help beings sail through sea of suffering separating mortal world from the Western Paradise. Consecrated by a monk for placement on a home altar. Mounted on a lucite stand.
Carved from one piece of wood, triad depicts Nanhai Guanyin and 2 acolytes (one deteriorated) , crown centered with Amitabha Buddha in meditation bordered by flames of Buddhism.
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