Description:

East Asia, China, late Ming to Qing Dynasty, ca. 17th to 19th century CE. A gorgeous, larger than life limestone head of the bodhisattva Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), "The Lord Who Gazes Down at The World," a figure often portrayed as both male or female who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. Skillfully carved with a tremendous amount of detail, the face is serene, with slender, downcast eyes, a broad nose, and plump lips curved into a slight smile. There are no wrinkles or signs of age, yet the face is not youthful, giving it a timeless, ethereal quality. Atop the monumental head is a scrolling top bun surrounded by an intricate headdress with a lotus flower. Lengthy ears flank the elegant visage, symbolic of their divinity and ability to hear all suffering in the world. Size: 13.8" L x 15.5" W x 22.3" H (35.1 cm x 39.4 cm x 56.6 cm)

In Buddhist belief, bodhisattvas are among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and helping others achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. Traditionally depicted as less austere than Buddhas with graceful postures and elegant garments, a nod to the riches of the Northwestern Chinese Silk Road, this piece is no exception. Bodhisattvas or Guanyin are associated with compassion and mercy - their long ears significant because they rescue all human beings by hearing their cries for help and the sounds of suffering.

This item is oversized and requires special shipping. Please inquire prior to bidding.

Provenance: private Truchas, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired from Silkroad in 2002

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.

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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

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#189264

  • Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Chipping to base, left ear, and verso, as well as some nicks and abrasions to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Stable hairline fissures throughout stone. Expected weathering with encrustations and some staining. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

December 13, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000