Important Fire-Gilded Bronze Guanyin, late Ming Dynasty Bronze with partial fire-gilding China, late Ming Dynasty (1386-1644) Finely chiselled lotus decorations Wonderfully transcendental facial expression Measurements: 48 x 29 x 16 cm Very good condition Provenance: from the estate of a German antiquarian This impressive bronze sculpture from the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China shows a Guanyin with extensive fire-gilding. The deity sits in so-called padmâsana, the lotus position. Her right hand is held to her chest displaying the vitarka Mudra, a gesture of explication, where thumb and forefinger touch. Her left hand shows the gesture varada Mudra, symbolizing the granting of wishes; the palm points forwards and down, holding the pearl of light tightly. In both her hands, she holds a lotus stem that rises up to a blooming flower near her shoulders. The sculpture was originally decorated by two adorants, placed on these lotus flowers. The Guanyin’s garment is impressively fire gilded and has finely chiselled lotus decorations. Royal jewellery covers her body. A small Buddha Amitabha is at the centre of her crown, behind it a distinct gold ushnisha and the third eye, urna, gleams in gold on her forehead. This detail may have been added later. The well-defined soles of her feet, finger nails and finely chiselled hair are a testament to the highest of Ming-era bronze art. The contrast of gilded and bronze-coloured areas adds to the stately form of this religious sculpture. Her peaceful expression, full lips and half-closed eyelids round off this artwork in a transcendental manner. This impressive bronze Guanyin is in good condition for its age with some signs of use. There are signs of malachite-green and iron red patina in places with slight abrasions of gold. The base plate is somewhat bent and dented, but intact. The figure measures 48 cm (height); 29 cm (width) and 16 cm (depth). Guanyin Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion, counts among the most venerated figures in Buddhism and is highly respected in Asian cultures. Initially a male figure, it transformed over the centuries to a maternal goddess with wondrous healing powers who bestows solace and luck. As a bodhisattva, Guanyin denied herself entrance into nirvana when she heard the laments of the mortals and helpfully returned to Earth. Her name roughly means “observer of the cries of the world”. Starting Bid :20000