Very finely carved Guanyin sculpture seated in the 'Royal Ease' position, she is wearing the necklace of Chinese royalty and is surrounded by a dragon. Dragons are an ancient symbol for high spirituality, wisdom, strength, and divine transformation. They are associated with water and establish her as the patronesses of fisherman. Sculpture sits on a carved wood stand.
"Guanyin is the Chinese translation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who chose to stay on earth as accessible examples for Buddhist faithful to follow. Originally depicted as a male or gender-neutral entity able to take on thirty-three manifestations, Avalokiteshvara is a compassionate savior who hears the woes of humankind, regardless of age, gender, or social class. However, in imperial China, Guanyin became increasingly cemented as a female figure. Similar to the Virgin Mary, Guanyin became a popular intercessor for humanity to understand divine salvation." ₁
ID#: ACC159
Material: Carved Jadeite measuring approximately 5 1/2 inches (L) x 5 inches (W) x 3 inches (D)
Total Approximate Dimensions: 6 3/4 inches (L) x 6 inches (W) x 3 inches (D)
Statue Weight: 509.82g
Wood Stand Weight: 131.14g
1. Kevin D. Pham. "Compassion, Mercy, and Love: Guanyin and the Virgin Mary". Met Museum. May 7, 2021.
