A standing figure of Guanyin carved in white marble

Liao dynasty 916-1125 AD
China

The figure stands foursquare on a simple low rockwork base. Two feet protrude from below an elaborate layered skirt tied low around the waist with a long silk scarf. The torso is bare - except for an elaborate beaded jewellery necklace that falls to the ground; the shoulders and arms are covered by a shawl that descends from the top of an elaborate scrolling crown - centred by an image of Amitabha Buddha. Guanyin’s face is delicately carved, with open downcast eyes. The two missing hands would have been placed in front of the figure, at waist height.

Height: 95.5cm

Similar example is illustrated in Siren “La Sculpture Chinoise Du V au XIV Siecle” 1926, plate 601 - from a stone grotto at Yen Sia Tong. Also illustrated, in the same volume of Siren, is another stylistically similar standing figure in gilt bronze - from the University Collection of Philadelphia, plate 577.