Chinese Wooden Guanyin Statue

Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 A.D. or later. Seated in an attitude of tranquil ease, right arm resting on the raised right knee and left one supporting the weight of the upper body; characteristic elongated earlobes, downcast eyes and slightly pursed lips; wearing an elaborate tall crown and embroidered voluminous robes. 73.5 kg, 1.75 m (69 in.).

Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12561-231042.

Bodhisattva Guanyin is a divine being who attained enlightenment but chose to stay in the world to help others. The name Guanyin is an abbreviation of Guanshiyin, meaning: “Perceiver of the World’s Sounds”, and is thought to have responded to the calls of those in peril.