Lot 248
East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A serene and quietly luminous marble head of Guanyin, carved with a softness that seems to slow the breath. The face is full and gently rounded, the eyes downcast in meditative calm, the lips forming the faintest suggestion of a compassionate smile. This restrained expression reflects the Qing dynasty taste for devotional imagery that favored inward stillness over dramatic gesture. The hair is drawn upward into a high chignon, carved with subtle, rhythmic striations that suggest both order and grace. At the crown, a simple knot anchors the composition, recalling Guanyin's role as the Bodhisattva of Mercy, attentive yet detached, present yet transcendent. The carving favors smooth transitions over sharp definition, allowing light to move gently across the marble surface. Size: 3.3" L x 3" W x 4.8" H (8.4 cm x 7.6 cm x 12.2 cm); 7.8" H (19.8 cm) on included custom stand.
The stone itself displays a warm, creamy tonality with natural mottling and areas of soft translucence, qualities long prized in Chinese marble for religious sculpture. Minor surface wear and tonal variation are consistent with age and devotional handling, adding to the object's quiet authority and historical presence. Such marble heads were often once part of larger figures or shrine assemblages, intended for private altars or small temple settings. Even in isolation, this head retains a powerful sense of spiritual focus, offering a distilled image of Guanyin as an embodiment of compassion, serenity, and enduring faith.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
Please note that buyers are responsible for understanding and complying with the import regulations of their destination country. While we carefully prepare and document all shipments, we cannot be held responsible for customs delays, clearance issues, additional duties or taxes, or any seizure of property. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#200321
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Weathering with nicks and abrasions to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Nice remaining detail with encrustations and deposits in areas.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $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 |