Guanying; China, Qing Dynasty, Guangxu period, 1875–1908.

Guanying; China, Qing Dynasty, Guangxu period, 1875–1908.
Glazed porcelain from Dehua, “Blanc de Chine.”
Bears the “He Chaozong” mark.
Measurements: 27 x 16 x 13 cm.
Porcelain sculpture depicting the bodhisattva Guanyin holding a scroll of scriptures.The figure is depicted seated, dressed in robes with carefully defined folds, her hair tied back, and wearing a pendant across her chest. The piece is made of Blanc de Chine porcelain, a term used in the West to refer to Chinese porcelain with a fine white glaze, particularly characteristic of the Ming and Qing periods. It is also known as Dehua porcelain, as it is produced in this town in Fujian Province. Its production dates from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) to the present day.
Large quantities reached Europe as export porcelain in the early 18th century, where they were later imitated by manufacturers such as Meissen. They were also exported in large quantities to Japan. Many pieces in this style bear the mark of master potter He Chaozong or follow the production traditions of the late Ming and Qing periods.