Guanyin on lion; China, Qing dynasty, c. 1900.

Guanyin on lion; China, Qing dynasty, c. 1900.
Bronze and cloisonne.
Presents loss in one of the nails.
It has seals.
Measurements: 46 x 38 x 12 cm.
Also known as bodhisattva of compassion, Guanyin is venerated by the Buddhists of East Asia. 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 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, which is why she is usually represented accompanied by a child. The iconography of Guanyin is rich and varied, and includes various symbolic elements alluding to different concepts. Here she appears seated on a large lotus flower, a Buddhist symbol of purity because it emerges untainted from the mud. Other symbols are the willow branch, with which the bodhisattva sprinkles the nectar of divine life (here, in her right hand), and the vessel or small bottle, which is the nectar of compassion and wisdom.
The foo dog, similar to a lion, is an important symbol in Chinese Taoist culture and, because of its influence, also in Japanese and Thai culture. It is identified with protection against evil spirits, and hence they are often represented in pairs at the entrance of temples, imperial tombs, palaces, government buildings, etc.. They are also known as Imperial Guardians, and were very frequent in the art of traditional China. They are attributed mythical powers of protection, and appear as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) at the entrance of important buildings. Today, foo dogs are still frequent as decoration and symbolic elements at the entrance of all kinds of buildings.