An immense Quanyin stele, finely chiseled from a beautiful piece of white marble. To her right, rising on top a lotus blossom stands a meditating Sudhana, the once crippled boy who came to the bodhisattva while she was meditating on Mount Putuo. Layered halos emanate from his head, and a billowing freeform halo surrounds Quanyin‘s. She shows the abhaya mudra; an open and assuring palm, while concentric curving lines and chiseled details ornament her dress. Her face is rounded and feminine, pleasantly down cast…the better to watch over us.

Containing noticeable quantities of calcite, the marble gleams despite its uneven coloring. Its early Qing stylings are made apparent in the sculpture’s rounded face and soft features, a uniquely Chinese style that precedes the take over of Tibetan iconography. Standing at over three feet high, this is an impressive and unique piece. In excellent condition.