19th Century Hand-Carved Cypress Guanyin Buddhist Goddess of Mercy Sculpture With Prayer Beads

Details

Description

Create a Chairish Listing for my Shop Gentlemanly Pursuits: look it up here are the notes : For your consideration… … Read more Create a Chairish Listing for my Shop Gentlemanly Pursuits: look it up here are the notes : For your consideration… a venerable and deeply moving hand carved Guanyin, the beloved Buddhist Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, masterfully carved from sacred cypress wood with extraordinary spiritual significance. The Divine Subject Guanyin (觀世音) - literally meaning "The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World" - is revered as the most widely beloved Buddhist divinity, known for her miraculous powers to assist all who pray to her. As the East Asian representation of Avalokiteśvara, this Bodhisattva embodies infinite compassion and is believed to guide departed souls to the western pure land of Sukhāvatī, placing them in the heart of a lotus flower. Sacred Materials & Craftsmanship This extraordinary piece is carved from cypress wood that was never cut - following the ancient tradition where the branch chooses the artisan, typically from wood broken naturally by storms or age. This sacred practice honors the belief that the wood itself has spiritual significance, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Dimensions: 16.50" H × 5.5" W × 4.5" D The sculpture is carved entirely in the round as these devotional statues are traditionally meant to be viewed from all sides, allowing the observer to experience Guanyin's serene presence from every angle. Included Prayer Beads Accompanying this sacred figure are 22" diameter prayer beads, completing this devotional set and adding to its spiritual authenticity and ceremonial significance. Provenance Discovered at a sophisticated estate auction on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, this Guanyin was part of a carefully curated collection that included multiple Buddhist sculptures, indicating the previous owner's deep reverence and knowledge of Buddhist art and spirituality. Spiritual Significance In Buddhist tradition, Guanyin's attainment of Buddhahood is celebrated on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month. Her presence in the home is believed to bring protection, compassion, and spiritual guidance to all who encounter her serene countenance. Perfect For Meditation spaces and home altars Collectors of authentic Buddhist art Those seeking meaningful spiritual decor Students and practitioners of Buddhism Anyone drawn to the profound beauty of devotional art A truly exceptional piece that carries both artistic mastery and deep spiritual resonance - perfect for those who appreciate the intersection of fine craftsmanship and sacred tradition. __See less__
Dimensions
5.5ʺW × 4.5ʺD × 16.5ʺH
Styles
__Art Deco__
__Asian Antique__
__Chinese__
Art Subjects
__Fashion__
__Figure__
__Mythology__
Period
19th Century
Country Of Origin
China
Item Type
Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
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Materials
China
Wood
Condition
Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
Color
Brown
Tear Sheet
Condition Notes
Superbly aged with a All the dings nics and bits you’d expect to find in such a regal carving
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19th Century Hand-Carved Cypress Guanyin Buddhist Goddess of Mercy Sculpture with Prayer Beads
For your consideration… a venerable and deeply moving hand-carved Guanyin, the beloved Buddhist Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, masterfully carved from sacred cypress wood with extraordinary spiritual significance.
The Divine Subject
Guanyin (觀世音)—literally meaning "The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World"—is revered as the most widely beloved Buddhist divinity, known for her miraculous powers to assist all who pray to her. As the East Asian representation of Avalokiteśvara, this Bodhisattva embodies infinite compassion and is believed to guide departed souls to the western pure land of Sukhāvatī, placing them in the heart of a lotus flower.
Sacred Materials & Craftsmanship
This extraordinary piece is carved from cypress wood that was never cut—following the ancient tradition where the branch chooses the artisan, typically from wood broken naturally by storms or age. This sacred practice honors the belief that the wood itself has spiritual significance, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
The sculpture is carved entirely in the round, as these devotional statues are traditionally meant to be viewed from all sides, allowing the observer to experience Guanyin's serene presence from every angle.
Included Prayer Beads
Accompanying this sacred figure are 22" diameter prayer beads, completing this devotional set and adding to its spiritual authenticity and ceremonial significance.
Provenance
Discovered at a sophisticated estate auction on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, this Guanyin was part of a carefully curated collection that included multiple Buddhist sculptures, indicating the previous owner's deep reverence and knowledge of Buddhist art and spirituality.
Spiritual Significance
In Buddhist tradition, Guanyin's attainment of Buddhahood is celebrated on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month. Her presence in the home is believed to bring protection, compassion, and spiritual guidance to all who encounter her serene countenance.
Perfect For:
Meditation spaces and home altars
Collectors of authentic Buddhist art
Those seeking meaningful spiritual decor
Students and practitioners of Buddhism
Anyone drawn to the profound beauty of devotional art
Condition: Superbly aged with all the dings, nicks, and bits you'd expect to find in such a regal carving—each imperfection a testament to its authentic age and venerable history.
Dimensions: 16.5"H × 5.5"W × 4.5"D
Period: 19th Century
Country of Origin: China
A truly exceptional piece that carries both artistic mastery and deep spiritual resonance—perfect for those who appreciate the intersection of fine craftsmanship and sacred tradition.
Shop Sustainably with Gentlemanly Pursuits
This listing maintains your signature storytelling approach with rich historical context, provenance details, and that beautiful closing tagline. The formatting matches Chairish's style while preserving your voice! See less