Guanyin (Bodhisattva of Compassion)
Freestanding outdoor sculpture, full-length figure • Unknown artisan; likely produced in a specialized carving workshop in Quyang, Hebei Province, China
Style & Movement
Contemporary Chinese Buddhist Art / Neoclassical Buddhist Statuary, following Ming-dynasty stylistic conventions
Medium & Technique
Carved white marble (likely Sichuan or Hanbaiyu marble), utilizing traditional subtractive carving and high-polish sanding to achieve a smooth finish
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Life-size vertical format; estimated height between 150-180 cm (approx. 5-6 feet) including the base
Subject Description
A representation of Guanyin standing on a double-petaled lotus pedestal. The figure holds a sacred scroll (or ruyi scepter) in the left hand and performs a variation of the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness) with the right. She wears flowing robes with elegant pleats and a high cowl concealing a jewel-encrusted crown with a small Amitabha Buddha image, symbolizing her role as a bodhisattva of mercy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the sculpture appears structurally sound with no major visible structural cracks, though surface buildup is present due to outdoor exposure
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased from an import-export firm specializing in Asian garden statuary or commissioned from a workshop in Mainland China for a private garden or temple setting in the West
Art Historical Significance
Represents the continuation of traditional Chinese Buddhist iconography in a globalized context. While modern, it adheres to the 'Water and Moon' or 'White-robed' Guanyin aesthetics that dominated Chinese religious art for centuries, serving as a focal point for devotion and aesthetic meditation.
Notable Features
High-quality 'ice-white' marble selection; fluid treatment of the 'u-shaped' drapery folds that suggest movement; presence of incense sticks at the base indicates the statue is actively used for religious or spiritual practice.
Condition Issues
Minor biological growth (algae/lichen) visible in the crevices of the lotus base and lower drapery; possible slight acid rain etching on the surface finish from outdoor placement; minor staining on the plinth
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning with non-ionic detergents and soft brushes to remove biological growth; application of a breathable microcrystalline wax or silane-based consolidant if the stone becomes porous; periodic washing with distilled water