Polychrome Wooden Religious Sculpture Of Guanyin Seated On A Qilin, China, 1880–1930

Guanyin Seated on a Qilin
China, Late Qing Dynasty or Early Republican Period, circa 1880–1930 (attributed)
Carved and polychromed wood.

This elegant sculpture depicts Guanyin, the great Bodhisattva of Compassion in East Asian Buddhism. The term bodhisattva refers to an enlightened being who voluntarily postpones final Buddhahood in order to guide all sentient beings toward liberation. Her name, an abbreviated form of Guanshiyin, means “She Who Hears the Cries of the World,” expressing her boundless compassion for all who suffer.

Guanyin is portrayed seated in the posture of royal ease (lalitāsana) upon a qilin, one of the most auspicious mythical creatures in Chinese tradition. Regarded as the king of all fur-bearing animals, the qilin embodies harmony, peace, prosperity, and righteous rule. Its appearance is believed to herald the birth or presence of a sage. Its horn, traditionally covered with flesh or fur rather than exposed as a weapon, symbolizes wisdom and benevolent justice, enabling it to distinguish the virtuous from those who have acted wrongly.

A flaming mandorla surrounds Guanyin’s head, emphasizing her sacred nature and spiritual radiance.

The sculpture retains significant traces of its original polychromy, with shades of green, blue, red, and gilding now softened by time. The fully carved reverse reflects the care devoted to its execution. Age-related shrinkage cracks, wear, and minor losses are consistent with its age and contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece.

Through the quality of its carving, the harmony of its proportions, and the serenity of its expression, this sculpture represents a fine example of Chinese Buddhist devotional art dating from the final years of the imperial period or the beginning of the Republican era.

Height: 68 cm (26.8 in.)
Width: 42 cm (16.5 in.)
Depth: 15 cm (5.9 in.)

Provenance: Acquired at the Hôtel des Ventes des Notaires, Entzheim (Strasbourg, France), sale of 18 March 2025. The auction invoice bears the mention “Expertise: Cabinet Ansas Papillon & De Léry.”