Chinese, Qing Dynasty, 19th century
h.46 in.(117cm) X w.18 in.(46cm) X d.9 in.(23cm)
Condition: Good. damage to small finger
A
majestic Quan Yin, large and intricately carved, imbued with the nobility and
grace of the goddess of mercy. Designed as a single block, this work evokes a
magical vision by the light of the moon, which, even in monochrome, is realized
through subtle and suggestive modeling, the gentle motion of flowing garments
with their ruffled edges lifted by an evening breeze. A sense of lightness prevails,
and the impression that we are gazing upon a mirage in the sky, where winding
clouds drift across the disc of the moon, where single bird is seen holding a
string of pearls in its beak. The outstretched hand of Quan Yin offers the water
vase; she is standing on sea foam with a dragon and lotuses as she sails across
the sky, filmy and transparent, a contradiction to the earthy dark fruitwood.
Lovely, ethereal, pristine and pure, as fine in execution as she is glorious in
the imagination. The artistry is skillful and sensitive, the face of Quan Yin
sublimely realized--serene and cool. The whole is finely finished, smooth and
reflective.