Kwan Yin in Chinese Blanc Porcelain from Ancient China. Qing Period.

Fine sculptural figure of Kwan Yin made in China which dates from the late Qing period (1644-1912). This is a great example of a type of porcelain known as blanc de Chine or white of China, which in this case attracts our attention because of its fine making and excellent condition. This porcelain depicts a figure of Kwan Yin sitting on a pedestal and in attitude of meditation. Just by its side, standing on the ground there is another figure, this time of a little boy who is praying with reverential attitude. The milky white color of this sculpture, typical of this type of porcelain, joins to the delicate folds and details of the piece providing it with a majestic elegance. Kwan Yin, the main characters eyes are closed and his face bears a concentrated expression. His right hand is resting on his knew, and his left hand leans on the right one while it grabs a rolled document. Hi clothes fall over the base where he is sitting (which seems to be a kind of rock or tree trunk), covering it with delicate waves and folds. The little boy who is accompanying him stands to his left and is looking upwards though his eyes are closed. Over him, a rocky elevation holds a long-necked bottle and three rolled documents on its top. The two characters are wonderfully molded and performed, showing the great skill of the artist who made this piece. The clothes and decorative details are carefully made, something typical of this type of porcelain, which is highly appreciate in Europe. Blanc de Chine porcelain was made in Dehua (province of Fujian) so it was also known as Dehua porcelain. The first pieces were made in the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368), and they are still made nowadays. This is a very popular kind of porcelain, both in Europe and Japan, and the pieces were largely Buddhist images though figures of Christian icons and saints also were made, and of politicians such as Mao Zedong. This blanc de Chine sculpture is a highly interesting item: not only because of its beauty and spirituality, but also due to its ancient age and great making. Measurements: 160 mm width x 365 mm height.