Chinese Qing Seated Stone Figure

Qing Dynasty, 1644-1911 A.D. or later. Seated on a lion-skin covered pedestal, wearing long robes and a tall jewelled crown, resting his left hand on a thick belt with buckle and right hand on his knee; elongated earlobes and serene expression with downcast eyes; neck repaired. 240 kg, 1.25 m (49 1/4 in.).

Ex K.C. collection, London, 1990-2000.

The statue possibly depicts either bodhisattva Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, or bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Both are often depicted sitting on a skin of lion, or on a lion, which represents their use of wisdom to control the mind.