A BRONZE SCULPTURE OF A SEATED GUANYIN Lot n° 535

A BRONZE SCULPTURE OF A SEATED GUANYIN Bronze China, Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 19th century Rare, large depiction of the popular Bodhisattva Guanyin (Guanyin Pusa), who is worshiped as a goddess in China and corresponds to the Buddhist Avalokiteshvara, as he is called in Sankrit. Guanyin sits, both legs pulled in, one lying flat, the other vertical. This might be a sign that this Guanyin is connected to a Prajnaparamita, a Bodhisattva of the “transcendental wisdom” and “mother of all Buddhas”, whose attribute is the pustaka (book). In China, however, they are often subsumed under the name of “Guanyin”, especially because she is considered the “mother-goddess” par excellence. Fine, nobly fomed face with beautiful feminine profile and red inlay urna. Very high chignon covered by a cloth. In the hair above her forehead is a jewel set in a lotus blossom and on her chest a large pearl necklace (her chest – as was typical in China at the time – is hardly pronounced). The enamel decoration is entirely floral with lotus blossoms and leaf tendrils and the elevated facial features gilded. This yellow bronze’s particularly dark patina lends statue an expression of sensitive, mystically attuned introversion. A small plate with a retrospective period marker in Ming seal-script (Da Ming Xuande nian zhi) inset on the underside. Dimensions: HEIGHT 54.3 CM Condition: Very good condition Provenance: Collection of an Indian gentleman