Guanyin; China; following models of the Northern Qi Dynasty; Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912) or earlier

Guanyin; China; after models of the Northern Qi Dynasty; Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912) or earlier.
Carved and partially polychromed marble.
It presents losses in the polychrome and faults.
Measurements: 52 cm (height).

The deity appears seated in a pensive posture (Maitreya), with the right leg crossed in a half-lotus position and the left hand subtly resting on the left. She wears her hair in a bun, with braids falling on both sides, and a foliated crown, behind which an imposing halo appears. The goddess is elevated on a base of lotus leaves and, under it, a frieze with a scene carved in bas-relief where two lions flanking a "yaksha", spirits of nature, in clear allusion to the lion's throne of Buddha.

Also known as bodhisattva of compassion, Guanyin is venerated by East Asian Buddhists. As a result of syncretism, it is commonly accepted that her figure is the female counterpart of Avalokitesvara, Hindu bodhisattva of compassion.

The first Buddhist monk who referred to Guanyin in feminine form was Kumarajiva, when he translated the Lotus Sutra into Chinese in 406 AD.

With the introduction of Vajrayana Buddhism in China during the Tang dynasty, in the 8th century, the representation of Avalokitesvara as a beautiful female figure dressed in white grew in popularity. In popular devotion, Guanyin rescues those who turn to her in times of difficulty, especially in the face of dangers produced by water, fire or weapons. As a Merciful Mother, she also responds to the requests of those who wish to have children, hence she is often represented accompanied by an infant.