Olivia Xu
Associate Specialist
Lot 54*,Y
A BRONZE FIGURE OF GUANYIN Yuan/Ming Dynasty
16 May 2024, 10:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£18,000 - £22,000
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Chen Xie
Specialist
Edward Luper
Specialist, Chinese Works of Art
A BRONZE FIGURE OF GUANYIN
Yuan/Ming Dynasty
The deity cast seated with hands resting on the lap in dhyanamudra, the head lowered and face with serene benevolent expression, the hair pulled up in a high chignon beneath an elaborate tiara, the robes open at the chest to reveal beaded jewellery and cascading in elaborate pleats around the body, all on a later carved wood throne. 43cm (17in) high. (2).
The deity cast seated with hands resting on the lap in dhyanamudra, the head lowered and face with serene benevolent expression, the hair pulled up in a high chignon beneath an elaborate tiara, the robes open at the chest to reveal beaded jewellery and cascading in elaborate pleats around the body, all on a later carved wood throne. 43cm (17in) high. (2).
Footnotes
元/明 銅觀音坐像
The result of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test no.C124b65 dated 20 February 2024, is consistent with the dating of this lot.
本拍品經牛津熱釋光檢測，編號no.C124b65（2024年2月20日），結果與其斷代相符
The present bronze figure displays meticulous attention to detail, noted in the serene expression of the figure and ornate rendering of the personal ornaments and robes.
Also known as Avalokiteshvara, its feminine form appeared to emerge in the early Tang dynasty. According to the 'Lotus Sutra', the deity could take the form of any type of God, Buddha, King and Heavenly Guardian and could appear in both male and female forms, demonstrating the bodhisattva's limitless transcendence beyond gender, in order to teach the Dharma (teachings of the Buddha) to sentient beings. During the Ming dynasty, it was common belief that, in accordance with descriptions in the 'Avalokiteshvara' chapter of the 'Lotus Sutra' and 'The 25 Great Ones' chapter of the 'Surangama Sutra', Guanyin could transform at will and appear in more than thirty human forms to expound Buddhist teaching.
Compare with a related bronze figure of Guanyin, Ming Dynasty, 15th/16th century, in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, acc.no.12.37.160, which displays a similar style for the headdress and posture.
A related parcel-gild bronze figure of Guanyin, Ming dynasty, 16th century, was sold at Sotheby's London, 7 November 2018, lot 66.
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