Description
A Ming Dynasty Gilt Lacquered Bronze Figure of Guanyin. The Goddess of Mercy is shown seated in dhyanasana with her hands held in her lap, supporting a ewer. Her long robes are open at the chest to reveal a beaded necklace. She wears a crown inset with a small figure of Amitaba and is seated upon a detached lotus-form base.
The Ming dynasty, officially the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368-1644 following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty w
as the last imperial dynasty of China ruled by Han Chinese. Guanyin is the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. In the East Asian world, Guanyin is the equivalent term for Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Guanyin also refers to the bodhisattva as adopted by other Eastern religions.
Dimensions: height 12 inches, width 7.3 inches, depth 4.8 inches.
Provenance: The David Collins (1902-1975) Collection, acquired during Mr. Collins’ career in the British Consular Service in China and Eastern Tibet between 1920s and 1930s, and thence by descent in the Collins family.
Condition: No repair or restoration. In excellent condition with wear commensurate of age and use.