Guan Yin; China, 20th century.

Guan Yin; China, 20th century.
Malachite.
Wooden stand.
Measurements: 20 x 11 x 5 cm; 24 x 12 x 6 cm (frame).

Sculpture carved in malachite representing the bodhisattva of compassion, Guan Yin. She carries a pai-pai in one hand and wears a long dress adorned with ribbons. 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 translating the Lotus Sutra into Chinese in 406 AD. With the introduction of Vajrayana Buddhism in China during the Tang dynasty, in the VIII century, the representation of Avalokitesvara as a beautiful female figure grew in popularity.