Goddess of Spring – Finely Carved Ivory Guanyin, China, Early 20th Century Elegantly embodied in a posture of grace and serenity, this depiction of Guanyin, goddess of compassion and springtime renewal, stands out for the exceptional finesse of its craftsmanship and the rich symbolism of its attributes. Hand-carved from delicately patinated ivory, the deity rises from a black lacquered wooden base in a stance imbued with quiet majesty.
Her left arm gestures the abhaya mudra, symbol of fearlessness, while her right hand supports a floral basket overflowing with peonies and lotus blossoms—evocations of ephemeral beauty and spiritual awakening. Her upswept hair is adorned with a shoudai niao (bird of paradise), sculpted with remarkable precision, a celestial emblem of purity and blessing.
The flowing folds of her robe, animated by subtle movement, reveal rare technical mastery, echoing spring breezes and divine fluidity. Every detail—from the gentle features of her face to the texture of each petal—attests to the virtuosity of early 20th-century Chinese ateliers.
A work of great delicacy, this sculpture embodies both spiritual depth and decorative elegance, firmly rooted in the tradition of refined devotional objects cherished by collectors of Asian art.
Dimensions: Height 14 cm (without base), 17 cm (with base), Width 8 cm, Weight 171 grams