A TWO-TONE GILT COPPER-ALLOY FIGURE OF GUANYIN, KANGXI-YONGZHENG PERIOD

Expert’s note: This superb bronze features gilding in both yellow and rose gold. The rose gold, evident on the face, robe, and jewelry, is characterized by its faint reddish hue and natural flaking, due to the copper content in the alloy. In contrast, the yellow gold, found on the base, earrings, and chest, has a higher gold concentration, making it more resistant to wear and discoloration. Two-tone gilding was reserved for only the finest and most exquisite statues due to the complexity of its execution.

China, 1662-1735. Finely cast seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus throne with beaded rims, the left hand lowered in dhyana mudra above the lap and the right raised in abhaya mudra, dressed in loose-fitting robes richly decorated with floral hems and cascading in skillfully carved folds, the feet and hands adorned with beaded braces, and the robe open at the chest to reveal an elaborate necklace.

The face with a serene expression marked by sinuously lidded downcast eyes above bow-shaped lips forming a subtle smile, flanked by circular earrings suspending leafy tassels, the hair arranged in a tall chignon and wavy tresses behind an elaborate pierced foliate headdress.

Provenance: Koller, Zurich, 18 May 1990, Lot 343. An important private collection in southern Germany, acquired from the above. A copy of the catalog description of Galerie Koller, Zurich, Auction 75/3, 18-19 May 1990, lot 343, confirming the provenance and dating above, accompanies the lot.
Condition: Very good condition with some age-related wear and expected casting irregularities. A few tiny nicks, light scratches to the back, and minor losses. Earrings slightly loose. The base has been resealed. Some rubbing and minor losses to the gilding, revealing a warm coppery tone beneath. Overall with a rich, naturally developed dark patina.

Weight: 2.3 kg
Dimensions: Height 21.2 cm

The present figure is remarkable for the refined level of detailing, noted in the meticulous beading and scrollwork decorating the pedestal and the hem of the dhoti, capturing a sense of majesty associated with the Goddess of Mercy.

According to the Lotus Sutra, the deity could take the form of any type of God, Buddha, King, and Heavenly Guardian, and could appear in both male and female form, showing the bodhisattva's limitless transcendence beyond gender, in order to teach the Dharma to sentient beings. During the Ming dynasty, it was common belief that, in accordance with descriptions in the 'Avalokiteshvara' chapter of the Lotus Sutra and 'The 25 Great Ones' chapter of the Surangama Sutra, Guanyin could transform at will and appear in more than thirty human forms to expound Buddhist teaching. The compassion of the bodhisattva is expressed in the subtle gestures of this elegant figure, the mudras signifying the bestowal of charity and reassurance.

The figure is meticulously inlaid with gilt copper plaques of circular and rectangular shape, often referred to as casting patches, most noticeably on the back of the base. Some of these plaques may have once served a ritual purpose and are frequently observed in Buddhist sculptures.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams London, 15 May 2014, lot 327
Price: GBP 37,500 or approx. EUR 69,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large parcel-gilt bronze figure of Guanyin, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and subject. Note the parcel gilding and the slightly larger size (26.3 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 26 November 2019, lot 20
Price: HKD 475,625 or approx. EUR 58,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare gilt-bronze figure of Guanyin, 17th/18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, gilding, and subject with similar pose, expression, robe, jewelry, and base. Note the much larger size (33 cm).