Antique Antique Chinese Style Kwan Yin or 'Water Moon' Guanyin Statue - 24cm/10"

Antique Antique Chinese Style Kwan Yin Statue - Bodhisattva of Compassion - 24cm/10"

Measurements H 24cm/10"

An antique Chinese style Bodhisattvas of Compassion, Kwan Yin or Guanyin sculpture. 

In the vast pantheon of Buddhist deities, few figures embody the essence of compassion and mercy as profoundly as Guanyin, also known as Kuan Yin or Avalokiteshvara. Revered across East Asia, Guanyin holds a special place in the hearts of millions as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. 

The origins of Guanyin can be traced back to ancient India, where Avalokiteshvara, the male Bodhisattva of Compassion, was venerated. According to Buddhist tradition, Avalokiteshvara vowed to aid all sentient beings in their suffering and postpone his own enlightenment until all beings were liberated from samsara.

As Buddhism spread to China, Avalokiteshvara underwent a transformation, evolving into Guanyin, a female deity. Beginning in the ninth century, Chinese images of Avalokiteshvara assumed an ambiguous gender identity. This development coincides with Buddhist texts in which bodhisattvas demonstrate the constructed nature of their gender by magically transforming it. However, this Guanyin clearly depicts a masculine form and as such a style that was prevalent in pre-ninth century China. 

Guanyin occupies a central role in Chinese Buddhist practice, serving as a source of inspiration, guidance, and protection for devotees. His compassionate nature embodies the ideal of selfless service and unconditional love, inspiring followers to cultivate compassion in their own lives and alleviate the suffering of others.

Devotees often turn to Guanyin in times of distress, seeking his intercession and blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. His manifold forms and attributes cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of his worshippers, making him accessible to people from all walks of life.

Here, Guanyin is seated in the pose of “royal ease,” with right hand resting on bent knee, this deity is known as the “Water-Moon Guanyin” (Shuiyue Guanyin). He was thought to reside on an isolated isle named Potalaka in the mythical South Sea, where he sat and contemplated the moon’s reflection in the water. The reflection refers to the Buddhist concept that everything in the world around us is ephemeral and illusory, and Guanyin has the ability to hear all the world’s suffering. 

Here, Avalokiteshvara is dressed as an Indian prince in a fluid garment with crossed necklaces, and jewellery on his bare chest. He is seated upon a beautiful 'Teapoy' base with robes flowing, clinging naturally over his body and legs. His feet peek from beneath his robes. 

Showing a confident calmness, this deity fluidly presents his mercy over the suffering of humans and efficaciously consoles the souls of his devotees.

Upon his head can be seen a Buddha in adoration pose. His gaze serene and slightly downcast. 

Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, stands as a timeless symbol of love, mercy, and altruism in Chinese Buddhism. Through her boundless compassion and unwavering dedication to relieving the suffering of sentient beings, she continues to inspire millions to walk the path of compassion and kindness.

May the compassionate spirit of Guanyin illuminate our hearts and guide us towards greater understanding, empathy, and harmony in the world.

The detail and quality of this piece are unmistakeable.  A delightful and unusual piece with wonderful aureate and sepia patina. 

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