Lot 67A
East Asia, China, ca. 20th century CE. A meticulously carved white stone (perhaps soapstone) with pink hues depicting Kuan Yin holding a leafy twig derived from the 'weeping willow' tree, so-called for its trailing leafy branches that droop just as raindrops trickle like tears. The Kuan Yin presents a lithe, flowing form draped with billowing robes, much like the willow tree itself, which is said to bend without snapping even when pelted by the strongest winds, symbolizing the flexible nature of Kuan Yin. Size: 4.875" W x 6.75" H (12.4 cm x 17.1 cm)
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. In China, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is usually 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. However, the bodhisattva is actually depicted as both male and female to show the figure's transcendance beyond gender. The Chinese Kuan Yin usually holds an attribute in her hands such as a vase of water signifying the dew of compassion and a willow branch to heal illness as we see in this example.
Provenance: Ex-private New York Collection; Ex-Marcel Gibrat, Madison Ave., NY
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#120923
- Condition: Minor surface wear with tiny nicks to peripheries, but generally very good.
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