Beschreibung:

CHINESE QING LARGE GUANYIN FIGURE Qing Dynasty, 1644-1912 AD A large sandstone image of Guanyin seated, cross legged in meditation, wearing an elaborate crown with scrolling plant motif, and central image of Buddha standing on a lotus flower; elongated ears, eyes half closed; robes open at chest and with strings of necklaces across; hands resting in lap and holding the Triple Gem of Buddhism; base with cupped arches to four sides. 104 kg, 84cm (33"). Fine condition. Provenance From the Cheuk family collection. Footnotes Guanyin is one of the most popular Buddhist goddesses in China, and Japan where she is known as Kannon, and seems to have developed from Avalokiteshvara. She is believed to be enthroned on a mountain or an island in the Eastern Seas, and bestows the blessing of children, helps all beings attain enlightenment and is in general the goddess of compassion. She is called to for help when people are in danger and also helps heal the sick. Her name means 'The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World', and her common title is the Mother of Mercy. Some Buddhists believe that when one of their adherents departs from this world, they are placed by Guanyin in the heart of a lotus, and then sent to the western pure land of Sukhvati. Guanyin is often referred to as the most widely beloved Buddhist divinity with miraculous powers to assist all those who pray to her as listed in the Lotus Sutra and Karandavyuha Sutra. Several of the biggest temples in East Asia are dedicated to Guanyin including Shitennoji, Sensoji, Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjusangendo as well as Shaolin.