| early chinese |
 Standing kuanyin (photos by Telyfoto Inc.)
This exceptionally beautiful small statue of Kuanyin is one of the finest for its size to have emerged from the finds in Shangdong province. The carving is so finely detailed, that if one only saw photos, you would think the figure was life-sized, however it is of small size as for a private devotional use. Even so it commands the space around it with its almost haughty serious mein. This is a fierce Kuanyin, quite unlike the sweet depictions more typical in later times. He wears a robe falling in parallel pleats below the waist, that end in stylized tiered folds above the feet, and over which is draped two heavy sectionally braided pearl strands that cross with a central jewel at the waist. His crown also features braided pearl swags and pearl tassels falling from circular jeweled settings, with a pleated cloth falling in back down both sides of his head. The rich crown serves to frame the face with its arched brows, barely opened eyes looking down and curved mouth, that signify his meditative state, although here Kuanyin looks almost disapproving, as if somehow we are lacking. He has a slight double chin, indicating abundance, but his body is slim, hidden as it is by his robe. The right hand is raised holding a lotus bud, and in his lowered left hand holds a long necked footed round vase. The feet are bare, but unusually detailed with the toe nails delineated. Kuanyin is the Bodhisatva of Compassion, an enlightened being who achieved buddhahood, but chose to stay on this plane to help others achieve enlightenment and release from worldly suffering. His jewels and luxurious clothing signify and reflect his divine status, the superior to any prince or king, and so richly adorned.
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