Kwan Yin (Guanyin) Sculptures – Gilt-Accented Eleven-Headed Central Figure with Openwork Halo and - Wood - Showa period

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【Product details】

This lot comprises three hand-carved wooden sculptures of Kwan Yin (Guanyin), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, made in Japan during the Showa period. All three stand on lotus pedestals and are gently polychromed, forming a refined and harmonious ensemble for a Japanese Buddhist art collection.

The two side figures are standing Kwan Yin sculptures with one hand raised in a gesture of reassurance and the other lowered in benevolence. Their robes are decorated with floral and arabesque motifs, including chrysanthemums and other seasonal flowers, and one figure bears a small seated Buddha on the crown, emphasising her role as a compassionate saviour of those in distress. Both show age-related wear such as scuffs, fading and minor blemishes. On one statue there is a chip as well as a repair near the left wrist. On the other, the left foot has a repair, and the top part of the halo is damaged, with one section chipped and loose, together with minor surface scratches and small blemishes on the base.

The central piece is an early Showa Eleven-Headed Kwan Yin (Guanyin) standing before an intricate openwork floral halo. The slender figure is richly detailed, with softly flowing robes, delicate pigments and highlights in kindei (gold powder made from pure gold leaf mixed with glue) that catch the light beautifully. Rising above the principal face are additional heads symbolising Kwan Yin’s ability to perceive suffering in every direction; the variety of expressions together convey both protection and supreme wisdom. She holds a lotus flower, a symbol of purity arising from the troubled waters of the world. The composition can be carefully disassembled into figure, pedestal, halo and handheld lotus for safe transport and display. The Eleven-Headed Kwan Yin shows a hairline crack in the upper Buddha face, a chip to the left foot, and some cracks in the floral halo, along with general surface wear, dust, discolouration and minor blemishes from age and handling.

Overall, the three sculptures are in fair to good used condition with the age-related imperfections described above. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions of central piece: approx. H 58.7 cm W 22 cm D 22 cm
Dimensions of side figures: approx. H 51.5 cm W 14 cm D 14 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!