Chinese 18th Century Dauhan Blance de Chine Figure of Quanyin

About the Item

This figure produced in Dauhan porcelain in China in the 1780s represents the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara known in China as Quanyin. She is the figure most associated with compassion and mercy. Dauhun porcelain is a type of true white wares made in Dehua in Fujian Province. This first appeared in the late Song Dynasty in small amounts but reached its greatest achievements in the Ming Dynasty. The material's plastic consistency allowed for well-defined shapes that included boxes, vases, jars, cups, joss stick holders, and most significantly Buddhist & Taoist secular figures. During the late Ming dynasty, the potters of Dehau produced large amounts destined for export to Southeast Asia and in the 18th century large amounts began to be sold as export wares to Europe were it was imitated by Saint-Cloud in France and Chelsea and Box in England. This figure made in the later days of the Qianlong emperor's reign (1735 to 1796) is modeled seated in the lalitasana pose with the right leg upright. She is shown in voluminous robes opened at the neck her sleeve bunched up at the wrist to show her right hand resting exposed on her raised knee. Her left hand holds a vase with a flowering branch. Her hair is gathered in an elaborate chignon partially covered with an elegantly draped cowl. The meditative tilted head is dominated by downcast eyes and a benign expression. This finely modeled figure is clean and rather unadorned concentrating the viewer's attention on the pose, face, and hands all sacred attributes of the spiritual attainment of the Goddess. The piece was purchased on this stand, a fine old carved rosewood 19th century base, though not one specifically designed and made to conform to its overall shape. With only a few firing cracks which are visible in the photos, the figure is in excellent condition with no damage or breaks

Dimensions:

Height: 10 in (25.4 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Porcelain,Rosewood

Place of Origin:

China

Period:

Late 18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1780

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.