Description:

Gilt Kannon (Guanyin), Meiji Period
This stunning gold gilt boxwood sculpture of the God of Mercy is a nearly flawless Meiji period altar piece (Japan) of Kannon. Kannon (sometimes Kwannon or Kwan-ze-on) is the Bodhisattva of Compassion ("he who hears the cries of the world" or kuan " looks on", Shih "the region of sufferers" Yin "whose voices ask salvation from misery") and is known as Guan Yin or Kuan Shih Yin (Guanshiyin or sometimes spelled Kuan-Tzu-Tsai) in Mandarin, Kun Yum in Cantonese and Avalokitesvara in Sanskrit (or in Tibet). Splendid carving detail, in high relief with blue pigment applied to his towering chignon and delicate gilt tracery highlighting his shoulder scarf and layered shirt. His hands hold a stupa as he stands upon a stepped hexagonal plinth with reticulated mandorla finished in black and gilt lacquer (some very minor wear to gilt, not too obvious chips and losses to base). Tall elaborate aureole. Many delicately carved holy animals (dragons, phoenix, lions) decorate multi-layered base. Kannon stands on a beautiful lotus and is 21.75 inches (55.3cm). Elaborate jade jewelry around neck.