Chinese Grey Stone Fragmentary Torso of Avalokitesvara
$825.04
An elegant fragmentary torso of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in light grey stone, from the Tang Dynasty period. The female torso, missing both arms and the head, displays the rims of her robes over the shoulders and shows several ornaments on the chest, with one big central pendant and with the longest, beaded necklace extending down onto the belly of the figure. She also appears to be wearing a decorated belt. The reverse shows a raised section, maybe suggesting that this figurine was once attached to a surface. The item is mounted on custom-made stand.
Date: Circa 618-906 AD
Period: Tang Dynasty
Provenance: The C. Roger Moss OBE collection. The late C. Roger Moss OBE was a renowned art collector who, throughout the years, thanks to his determination and enthusiasm, was able to create an outstanding collection of artworks, most prominently from China and the Orient, but also from other cultures.
Condition: Fine. The stone is in good condition, some lime and earthly encrustations to the surface. The item is mounted on a custom-made stand.
SOLD
Avalokitesvara, also named Padmapani, is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is any person who is on the path towards Buddhahood, which is the rank or condition of an “awaken one”, a Buddha. Avalokitesvara is variably portrayed, described and depicted in different cultures as either male or female. In the Chinese tradition, she is named Guanyin, which is short for Guanshiyin, which means “The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World.” She is still regarded today as one of the most beloved Buddhist divinities.
To discover more about the Roger Moss Collection, visit our Provenance Collection Page.
