A LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN, MING DYNASTY

A LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN, MING DYNASTY China, 15th century. Seated in dhyanasana on a beaded double lotus base, the hands held in aakash and varada mudras, wearing loose-fitting robes opening at the chest to reveal an elaborate jeweled necklace of several beaded chains, the face with a serene expression with heavy-lidded eyes and bow-shaped liüps forming a calm smile, flanked by long pendulous earlobes, the hair piled up into a high chignon secured with a foliate tiara centered by a small image of the Buddha Amitabha. Provenance: Dutch trade. A private collection in Portugal, acquired from the above. Condition: Good condition with wear and natural imperfections including minor age cracks and signs of worm or insect activity. One thumb and one finger with old repairs. Remnants of gilt. The lotus stems rising from the elbows are lost. The lacquer commensurate with age and with several layers which have been renewed over a long period of time. The wood with a rich, dark patina. Weight: 1,497 g Dimensions: Height 36.4 cm