Description:

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1644 to 1911 CE. A large, dramatic stone stele depicting the a bodhisattva in high relief. The stone has a granular surface, appearing largely creamy white with small black speckles; it was likely once painted bright colors. Skillfully carved with a tremendous amount of detail, the holy figure is depicted here as seated atop a stylized lotus throne, wearing robes that drape elegantly over the body and are open at the chest, meeting at the waist in a large, lotus-shaped belt. One hand is raised, the other resting on a knee, forming the Abhaya-vara mudra, the gesture of fearlessness, representing protection, peace, and dispelling fear. The face is serene, topped by a conical headdress. In low relief, carved to appear behind the primary figure, is an image of a standing figure with its head missing that seems to emerge from a flower - probably Buddha. Size: 5.75" L x 19.6" W x 29.5" H (14.6 cm x 49.8 cm x 74.9 cm); 32" H (81.3 cm) on included custom stand.

If that was Buddha, then the figure may be Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), "The Lord Who Gazes Down At The World", a bodhisattva portrayed as both male or female who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Kobyashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 2012

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#146152

  • Condition: Piece has lost its edges; the stele that remains is intact and unrepaired, with a weathered surface and light deposits, especially in the lower profile areas.

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August 6, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000