China – Guanyin With A Basket Of Fish, Made Of Dehua “white Of China” Porcelain – Early 20th Century

Chinese statuette made of white porcelain known as “Blanc de Chine”, depicting Guanyin with a basket of fish, a traditional iconographic representation known as Yulan Guanyin.

The deity is depicted standing, dressed in a long, softly draped robe, with her hair pulled back into an elegant bun. At her feet rests a remarkable openwork basket, finely modeled, containing several fish with stylized, intertwined bodies.

This depiction belongs to an ancient iconography of Guanyin associated with fish and the aquatic world. The motif of the basket containing a fish is well documented in Chinese Dehua ware. This reference to water is also evident here in the treatment of the base, which is adorned with stylized waves. Antique examples of Guanyin with a basket of fish are indeed documented in collections and on the market.

This piece stands out for the softness of its modeling, particularly in the rendering of the face and hands, for the beautiful drapery, and for the numerous details in relief: ornaments hanging from the sash, an elaborate hairstyle, and the delicate openwork of the basket.

A beautiful, lustrous ivory-white glaze characteristic of Dehua “White China” porcelain.

A Chinese piece from the first half of the 20th century, likely continuing the traditions of productions from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republican era.

Shipping: 18 euros within France, 35 euros within the EU, and 150 euros to the rest of the world.