19th Century Chinese Hand-Carved Cypress Guanyin Buddhist Goddess Sculpture

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….For your consideration… a venerable and deeply moving hand-carved Guanyin, the beloved Buddhist Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, also known … Read more ….For your consideration… a venerable and deeply moving hand-carved Guanyin, the beloved Buddhist Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, also known as Kwan Yin or Quan Yin, carved from cypress wood and rich with spiritual significance.

Guanyin (觀世音) means "The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World" and 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.

Hand carved from cypress wood, this figure recalls an ancient tradition in which devotional pieces are carved from wood that was never cut, where the branch chooses the artisan and the wood is typically broken naturally by storms or age. 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. It measures 16.5 inches high, 5.5 inches wide, and 4.5 inches deep, and dates to the 19th century in China.

Discovered at an estate auction on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, this Guanyin came from a carefully curated collection that included multiple Buddhist sculptures, suggesting the previous owner's reverence for Buddhist art and spirituality.

In Buddhist tradition, Guanyin's attainment of Buddhahood is celebrated on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, and her presence in the home is believed to bring protection, compassion, and spiritual guidance to all who encounter her serene countenance. She will be at home in a meditation space or on a home altar, and will appeal to collectors of Buddha statues and antique Buddhist art, students and practitioners of Buddhism, and anyone drawn to the beauty of devotional art.

This antique carving is lovingly used and superbly aged, with all the dings, nicks, and bits you would expect to find in such a regal carving, each one a mark of authentic age. It is a truly exceptional piece that carries both artistic mastery and deep spiritual resonance, for those who appreciate the intersection of fine craftsmanship and sacred tradition.
Dimensions: 5.5"W × 4.5"D × 16.5"H
Period: 19th Century
Country of Origin: China
Item Type: Antique
Materials: Wood (cypress)
Styles: Asian Antique, Chinese
Art Subjects: Figure, Mythology
Condition: Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
Color: Brown See less