Early Qing Kangxi Dehua Blanc de Chine Figure of Guanyin [Sold]

[SOLD]

An early Qing blanc-de-chine figure of Guanyin, produced by the Dehua kilns of Fujian, well-modeled with the boddhisatva seated atop a rocky plinth, draped in flowing robes, and bearing a downcast expression (conveying the Guanyin’s role as a merciful observer of the world and its cycles of suffering). Two acolytes stand by the side, while a young boy rests in the Guanyin’s lap. The rendering of the Guanyin’s face, with its full and rounded profile, is stylistically characteristic of the general rendering of Guanyin during the late Ming and early Qing period.

This variation of the Guanyin, in which an infant boy is included in the iconography, began appearing in the late Ming period, possibly due to the direct influence of Christianity, which began spreading along southern China’s shores (where the Dehua kilns were located) upon arrival of Portuguese merchants. While in the earlier dynasties the Guanyin had been portrayed as a bearded and androgynous deity, Chinese worshippers began adapting the Guanyin as an eastern counterpart to the Madonna. Many of these 17th – 18th century figures of the Guanyin holding a boy appear to mirror European ‘Madonna and Child’ imagery.

Compare with:

• An 18th century Guanyin figure of similar model and arrangement, in the collection of the British Museum (Franks.80.+)

Condition: excellent antique condition. This figure is in a rare state of preservation, with all attached elements still original and present. There are some original kiln flaws: firing cracks, sand grit, and minor glaze shrink spots. [Please examine all photos carefully; they are part of the condition report.]