Ming Dynasty Lacquered Wood Guanyin

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About the Item

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have put off entering paradise in order to help others attain enlightenment. There are many different Bodhisattvas, but the most famous in China is Avalokitesvara, known in Chinese as Guanyin. Early depictions of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara demonstrate male characteristics, but this tradition subsequently became less rigid. By the end of the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1367/8), the majority of these figures were depicted as young women, often bearing a vase of holy water to cleanse the souls of those she was bound to protect. According to legend, Guanyin was born on the nineteenth of the second lunar month, achieved enlightenment on the nineteenth of the sixth lunar month and achieved nirvana on the nineteenth of the ninth lunar month. It is said that s/he is the top Bodhisattva beside Shakyamuni Buddha, and an assistant Bodhisattva beside Amitabha Buddha in the Western World of Ultimate Bliss. It is believed that any sentient being who recites his/her name during a disaster would be heard and saved, which can explain why his/her importance to Chinese Buddhism. "Guanyin" literally means "observing the sounds", which refers to the belif that the Guanyin would observe all the sounds in the world, particularly listening for requests from worshippers. The M’ing dynasty was one of the most important in China’s long history. It saw the toppling of the Y’uan Mongol Empire under Hong Wu, the third of only three peasants ever to become emperor in China. The leader of the peasants’ revolt that ushered in the M’ing dynasty, Hong Wu was an extremely brutal, ruthless dictator, whose creed was one of rabid Neo-Confucianism combined with a militaristic sense of China’s destiny and organisation. The one aspect of Confucius’ learning that he ignored was that declaring military institutions to be inferior to intellectual elites, and that the former should be under the latter’s thrall. A great deal was therefore spent on expanding the army, consolidating defences against attack by the Mongols and neighbouring groups, and in major defensive architecture – notably the Great Wall. The economy also came under scrutiny. Perhaps reflecting Hong Wu’s own humble origins, the economy came to emphasise agriculture over trade (which was deemed to be vulgar and parasitical by Confucianism), and provided safeguards for peasants. Negative outcomes included enormous inflation and devaluation of money and resultant social unrest. However, this period also saw enormous cultural strides, including the development of the novel, the introduction of duotone blue/white ceramics and a plethora of artistic and religious developments that is excellently embodied by the current sculpture.

Dimensions:
Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Width: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
Style:
Ming (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Lacquered
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
1368 AD-1644 AD
Condition:
Excellent Condition.
Seller Location:
Beverly Hills, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: TF.0141stDibs: LU232336301663

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