East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty to Republic period, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. A gorgeous, elephant ivory vessel in the form of the head of bodhisattva Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), "The Lord Who Gazes Down at The World," a figure often portrayed as both male or female who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. The tranquil deity is surmounted by an intricately carved openwork crown with each of the 8 Immortals amongst scrolling, vegetal motifs. Each of the immortals holds an attribute denoting their identities while Guanyin displays a serene visage of downcast eyes, arched brows, a downward-pointed nose, and closed, bow-shaped lips. Heavy ornaments hang from each of her elongated ears with "shou" symbols for longevity placed just behind. The top of the crown opens to her hollow interior and is capped by a wooden lid with an ivory Budai figure seated at the top of the cylindrical handle. T Size: 4.2" L x 5" W x 13" H (10.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 33 cm)

The underside of the vessel is incised with Chinese characters for the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, indicating that this piece was carved in the tradition of that period.

In Buddhist belief, bodhisattvas are among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and helping others achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. Traditionally depicted as less austere than Buddhas with graceful postures and elegant garments, a nod to the riches of the Northwestern Chinese Silk Road, this piece is no exception. Bodhisattvas or Guanyin are associated with compassion and mercy - their long ears significant because they rescue all human beings by hearing their cries for help and the sounds of suffering.

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired 2008 to 2010; ex-Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

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#182782

Lid is loose when placed in vessel. Two fissures - one on front and one on verso - spanning from top of crown to bottom of head with some chipping, splitting, and minor losses - minor areas of infill and adhesive as well. Natural fissures to wood with chip to rim of lid. Otherwise, light surface wear and rich patina throughout. Nice preservation of detail.