Lot 40F
China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. A mesmerizing Ming dynasty wooden female Kuan Yin, hand carved from a single piece of wood and adorned with gold leaf and lacquer of red and black hues. The bodhisattva is veiled in flowing full robes, her left arm rests upon an armrest decorated with a beast's face and claw, while her right arm rests upon her upraised knee. Kuan Yin is the Chinese version of Kuan Shih Yin or Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the Buddhist embodiment of supreme compassion who is ready to help all sentient beings. Kuan Yin has taken a vow to save all who call upon her when they are suffering or in crisis. This selfless entity has sacrificed buddhahood in order to fulfill this mission of helping others. Beyond this impressive figure is the remarkable carved openwork throne of lotus blossoms and lotus leaves, the lotus flower being the symbol of Kuan Yin. Putuo Mountain is a sacred place for the worship of Kuan Yin in China. In actuality, it is an island located near the city of Ningpo, in Zhejiang Province. Many stories of Kuan Yin's miraculous appearances at Putuo Mountain add to the legend of Kuan Yin. This throne, so embellished with natural flora, may in fact be a metaphorical representation of Putuo Mountain. Size: 13" x 6" x 5-1/2" (33 x 15.2 x 14 cm)
In China, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is represented in the female form and is known as Kuan Yin. This gender was probably selected, because great compassion is a quality traditionally interpreted as feminine. In India, however, this bodhisattva is usually represented as a male figure. The Chinese Kuan Yin usually holds an attribute in her hands such as a vase of water signifying the dew of compassion, a willow branch to heal illness, or more rarely, Kuan yin's symbol, the lotus flower. This example displays beautiful carved lotus blossoms and leaves on the openwork throne.
Provenance: Ex-private Kipper collection, Northern Colorado
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#110925
- Condition: Losses to hands, small crack on front robes, tiny nick to toes, and small loss to back left of throne. Expected surface wear with losses to gold leaf and lacquer.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |