A beautiful and elegant carved soapstone figure of Guanyin and attendant, now mounted as a table lamp. The soapstone carving circa 1940's or earlier, China, mounted as a lamp in the 1960's, USA.
Carved of a waxy soapstone, Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed as a tall, beatific figure. She is dressed in voluminous robes with a cowl that covers her high chignon. She holds a vase in one hand, said to contain pure water able to alleviate suffering.
Her face is peaceful and kind, with heavily lidded, almond shaped eyes, a strong nose, and sweet mouth. An urna dots the center of her forehead, attesting to her supernatural nature.
By Guanyin's side is a young boy, most likely the acolyte Shancai, known as the child of wealth, who was taught the dharma and healed by Guanyin.
Both figures stand upon a separately carved double lotus pedestal of dark brown, near black, soapstone.
The lamp is topped by a Chinese carved hardstone...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Soapstone Lighting