Monumental Antique Chinese Guanyin – Polychrome Wood – Qing, 18th–19th Century – 151 cm

Monumental Antique Chinese Guanyin in Polychrome Wood

Origin: China
Period: Qing dynasty, 18th–19th century
Date: ca. 1750–1850
Material: hand-carved wood with historic polychrome layers and ground
Subject: Guanyin / Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion
Dimensions: H 151 × W 41 cm
Weight: 18.9 kg
SKU: 817

Large Chinese temple sculpture

This exceptionally tall standing Guanyin combines the elegant proportions of Chinese Buddhist wood carving with a richly aged temple surface. Long floating ribbons, a slender silhouette and an elaborate headdress give the sculpture a refined yet strongly devotional presence.

Guanyin / Avalokiteshvara

Guanyin is the Chinese form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The raised right hand is formed in a teaching gesture, while the left hand carries a pendant attribute beside the body. The headdress and jewellery reinforce the bodhisattva identity.

Historic polychromy

Extensive areas of old decoration remain in deep red-brown, turquoise-green, dark blue, white and gold-toned layers. A pale ground is visible beneath the pigments in many worn areas. Losses and rubbing occur naturally across projecting details, hands, face, costume folds, ribbons and pedestal.

Construction and condition

The sculpture is assembled from multiple carved wood elements and retains old joints, drying cracks, small losses and surface wear. The rear preserves the same layered paint history and construction evidence as the front. The weathered historic surface is an important part of the object's character and should be conserved rather than refinished.

Dimensions

Height: 151 cm
Width: 41 cm
Weight: 18.9 kg

A monumental one-off work of Chinese Buddhist temple sculpture.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

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