This
large carving of Bodhisattva KwanYin riding the Dragon is a prototype established
in Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD); and by Qing Dynasty (1875-1911) when this sculpture
is carved, among popular variations of KwanYin in painting and sculpture, there
is no other KwanYin image more loved by the Chinese and Japanese pilgrims.
This exquisitely carved and gilt camphor wood sculpture depicts KwanYin,
the embodiment of compassion, standing in tribhanger on a ferocious dragon frolicking
in the whirlpool of the South Sea. She is dressed in full robes, with eyes down-cast
in serene expression, holding a life-giving vase in her right hand, a boon granting
gesture in her left, and riding a Chinese dragon, which is the symbol of creative
power, the spirit of change, and of life force itself.
PRIVATE
COLLECTION
