A SILVER-PLATED BRONZE/BRASS FIGURE OF GUANYIN OF THE WATER AND MOON (SHUIYUE GUANYIN) WITH BI-COLOR PATINA. CHINA, QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD (LATE 17TH – EARLY 18TH CENTURY) 1. General Description & Materials The figure is a statuette of Guanyin of the Water and Moon (Shuiyue Guanyin) on its accompanying period hardwood stand. The work features a characteristic bi-color patina. • Material: Brass/Bronze with dark Sulfuration Patina and Selective Silver Plating. • Weight: 294 g (Total) 2. Iconography The figure represents the Bodhisattva Guanyin (Kuan Yin), the manifestation of compassion. • Form: Guanyin of the Water and Moon (Shuiyue Guanyin). • Posture (Āsana): Seated in the "Royal Ease" Posture (Rājālīlāsana). • Attributes: Holds a Lotus Flower (padma) and is seated on a rocky base. 3. Attribution & Stylistic Dating • Origin: China • Period: Early Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period (c. 1680–1730 AD). 4. Provenance • Former Collection: Georg Weifert (1850-1937). 5. Condition Report • Structural Integrity: Excellent overall condition. No major breaks or repairs. • Patina: Stable and authentic. Wear to the silver plating/tinning is selective and consistent with age. • Stand: Period hardwood base, carved, and perfectly matching the statuette. 6. Expert Note The importance of this piece lies in its technical quality and Kangxi dating • Link to Imperial Production: The figure exhibits the quality and sophisticated finishing standards typically associated with Imperial commissions or elite workshops during the Kangxi Period. The use of the expensive SELECTIVE SILVER PLATING technique reflects the high standards set by the Qing Emperors for devotional art. • Technical Quality: The finish features a luxurious contrasting bi-color patina (dark background against the silver-plated details). • Historical Context: The finesse of the casting is characteristic of the Kangxi Period, considered an artistic golden age. 7. Bibliographical References (Annotated) • Berger, Patricia. Empire of Emptiness...: Justifies the Kangxi dating and the context of patronage/prestige. • Catalogue du Musée Cernuschi...: Provides comparative examples for the style and patina of small Imperial bronzes. • Specialized Ming/Qing Statuary Catalogues. : Confirms the iconographical evolution of the Shuiyue Guanyin.