Guanyin. China, Qing Dynasty, ca.1900.

Guanyin. China, Qing Dynasty, ca.1900.
In "China white" or Dehua porcelain.
With signature and mark on the reverse.
Measurements: 76 x 23 x 18 cm.

Sculpture of Guanyin, bodhisattva of love and compassion, goddess of mercy and one of the most esteemed figures in Asian folklore. On this occasion, she is depicted wearing a robe slightly fluttered by the breeze, which is folded in sensual draperies. In her left hand she holds a flask with pure water, containing the purifying essence, emblem of her ability to cleanse the suffering of those who venerate her. Her face is serene, with fine, symmetrical features, closed eyelids and a barely hinted smile.

The piece is made of "China white" porcelain, an expression used in the West to refer to Chinese porcelain with a very fine white coating, characteristic especially of the Ming and Ching periods. It is also called Dehua porcelain, as it is manufactured in Dehua in Fujian province. It has been produced from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) to the present day. Large quantities reached Europe as Chinese export porcelain in the early 18th century and was copied in Meissen and elsewhere. It was also exported to Japan in large quantities.