Guanyin figure. China, early 20th century

Figure of Guanyin. China, early 20th century.
Blanc de Chine.
Measurements: 38 cm.
Round sculpture framed within the style known in Europe as Blanc de Chine. These pieces, made in Dehua, in the province of Fujian, originate from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). They are characterised by their warm white colour, achieved by the use of porcelain with a very low iron oxide content, which allows firing in an oxidising atmosphere instead of the reducing atmospheres typical of other Chinese porcelain. Particularly representative are the images of the bodhisattva Guanyin, highly revered in Fujian.
Also known as the bodhisattva of compassion, Guanyin is revered by East Asian Buddhists. As a result of syncretism, it is commonly accepted that she is the female counterpart of Avalokitesvara, the Hindu bodhisattva of compassion. The first Buddhist monk to refer to Guanyin as female was Kumarajiva, 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 depiction 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 trouble, especially in the face of danger from 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 often depicted accompanied by a child. Guanyin's iconography is rich and varied, and includes various symbolic elements alluding to different concepts.