| Chinese
Gilt Wood Buddha Statue
Quanyin
Bodhisattva
Nepalese Style w. Large Lotus
Circa: early 20th century
H
24" (61cm.), W 9" (23cm.), D 6" (15cm.)
Condition: age cracks A
lyrical Quan Yin in Nepalese style, with towering chignon and crown, ornamented
with strings of jewels cascading over the figure, an apron of bone beads at the
front and swaying drapery at the back, and holding the stem of a large open lotus
which rests at her shoulder. The carving depicts an austere and upright presence
whose formality is softened by the long curving lotus stem and the graceful gesture
of the right hand, lowered in generosity of the varada mudra, communicating the
boundless compassion of Quan Yin. Imbued with unusual stillness, this slender
figure, culminating in the beautifully rendered head with its almost Grecian profile
and downcast eyes, possesses a deep pensiveness that is illuminated by the veil
of gold that covers its surface. Private
Collection |  |
