This important carved, gilded and polychromed wooden sculpture depicts Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, seated in a posture of royal ease upon a lotus throne emerging from a rocky base.
 
The deity wears a high chignon concealed beneath a long veil falling over the shoulders, a characteristic feature of later representations of Guanyin during the Qing dynasty. She is flanked by two of her traditional attributes, placed upon rocky outcrops. To her right stands the vase of purity, containing the elixir of longevity or sacred water. To her left is the divine parrot, the deity’s faithful companion in popular narratives associated with Mount Putuo, the island abode of Guanyin.
 
The sculpture retains part of its original gilding, applied over a lacquer or prepared ground and enhanced with polychrome pigments, particularly on the lotus petals and the reverse of the draperies, together with traces of black pigment. The folds of the garments are ample and stylised, characteristic of works intended for private or temple devotion during the late imperial period.
 
Condition: Fine overall condition, consistent with the sculpture’s age and devotional use. Breaks, cracks, chips and areas of wear to the gilding and polychromy, revealing the bare wood in places. Natural age-related shrinkage cracks are visible, particularly on the base and reverse. Attractive aged patina.