A POLYCHROME WOOD CARVING OF GUANYIN AMONGST ROCKWORK

Yuan/early Ming dynasty
14th/15th century AD
China

The Bodhisattva is seated in 'royal ease' within a rockwork grotto, and holding a child in her lap. She is dressed in a dhoti held in place at the chest by a bow, and her shoulders and arms are covered by a long shawl. Her hair is brushed back, and tied into a high top knot, covered by a further shawl that also descends over the shoulders.

The child - who is naturalistically depicted - lunges forward, wearing an open jacket, and is otherwise naked except for a necklace. The group is particularly finely carved. The robes flow gracefully and fold in tight curls, and the rockwork - which is finished in the round - rises in a lively angular style. The face of Guanyin possesses an air of quiet meditation - the beauty of which is enhanced by the delicacy of the carving.

Height: 10 ¼" / 26 cm

Compare: Zhongguo Meishu Quanji 'The Great Treasure of Chinese Fine Arts' Sculpture section, volume 6: Yuan Ming Qing Sculpture - published by Renming Meishu, and edited by Tang Boda - Beijing, 1988, colour plate 1. In this Yuan dynasty group, note the similar robes, headscarf, and facial features of the Guanyin - as well as the sculptural style of the boy.