Description
This sophisticated wooden Guanyin is a fabulous example of Eastern woodcarving from the mid-to-late twentieth century. With her subdued facial features and elegant, flowing robe, this sculpture instantly brings an atmosphere of mysticism and tranquility to the space. At Hi(s)story Antiques, we personally select each object based on character, craftsmanship, and a tangible historical narrative.
The Spiritual Meaning and Iconography
Within Buddhism, Guanyin (known in Japan as Kannon) the deeply revered Bodhisattva of Compassion and Grace. Since Because her symbol represents unconditional love, her image is loved worldwide. This specific wooden Guanyin is depicted in the iconic pose of royal ease (Maharajasana). Here, her right leg rests drawn up on the lotus base, while the left leg is gracefully folded in the lotus position.
In her right hand she holds namely an inverted flesh vaseKalasha). Symbolically, the nectar of compassion flows from this bottle to alleviate worldly suffering. Her left hand is furthermore lifted in a specific variant of the Karana Mudra. This powerful hand gesture serves to resolutely ward off negative energies and evil. On her forehead is located the urn, the sacred third eye that represents spiritual enlightenment.
Superior Wood Quality and Construction
The quality of this image is immediately revealed in the technical specifications. With a weight of 2.2 kg at a height of 33 cm, this wooden Guanyin carved from a tropical hardwood with an extremely high density, presumably belonging to the Asian Rosewood family (Hongmu). Although light wood types such as Suar wood often look coarse, the compact structure of this heavy hardwood made it possible to create razor-thin details in the fingers, the face, and the graceful headdress (jatamukuta) to cut out.
The flat bottom of the object forms the ultimate proof of traditional craftsmanship. Here, the original manual saw and gouge marks of the woodcarver are still beautifully visible. In addition, reveals the underside of the tree trunk's very dense, organic growth rings. The wood is in excellent condition and shows only minimal, natural drying lines inherent to solid antique hardwood.
A Timeless Statement in the Modern Interior
This authentic wooden Guanyin sculpture fits perfectly within contemporary design trends with its warm, dark wood tones. Within a Japandi interior or a Wabi-Sabi living style, the sculpture functions as a gorgeous Statement piece. The organic shapes and weathered texture of the patinaed hardwood bring immerse direct depth and serenity to a room. Place this unique object in a quiet living room, a study, or on a sideboard to create a harmonious atmosphere.
Our Services and Insured Transport
At Hi(s)story Antiques, this wooden Guanyin Packed with extreme care and shockproof for shipping. We offer worldwide 100% insured transport. More information about the background of this iconography can be found in the documentation on the history of Guanyin on Wikipedia. Do you have any questions about the provenance, or would you like to view this sculpture in person? Please dan feel free to contact us at info@hisstoryantiques.nl.
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