Contemplative Guanyin Statue (Siwei Guanyin)

Description

The raised hand draws the eye toward the lowered gaze of this Siwei Guanyin statue. Below it, a loop of drapery follows the arm toward the bent knee; the other hand rests beside the folded leg. The pose has a relaxed, thoughtful quality, with details to discover from the front and back.

A Contemplative Pose

The contemplative character of this Guanyin comes from the lowered gaze, the hand lifted beside the shoulder and the relaxed seated pose. Together they suggest a moment of inward reflection. Siwei Guanyin is the pinyin form of 思维观音: siwei means thought or reflection. The English name and Chinese name describe that same reflective mood.

Reflection in Buddhist Art

Contemplation has a long history in Buddhist sculpture. Early examples from Gandhara include Prince Siddhartha reflecting before enlightenment and bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara, known in China as Guanyin. This imagery later travelled through China, Korea and Japan, taking on different devotional meanings.

This contemporary contemplative Quan Yin is identified by its own combination of a lifted hand, bent knee and teal drapery. The English name describes that reflective mood; it does not identify the sculpture as a reproduction of a particular early Buddhist image.

Look Closely at the Robes

The muted blue-green ceramic has a fine, sandy surface, clearly visible beside the smooth cream-white fingers in the detail photograph. The necklace, bracelet and ridged hair are sculpted into the figure. At the back, the shawl falls across the shoulders and wraps around the waist, continuing the folds seen at the front.

At approximately 33 cm (13.0 in) tall, this teal Guanyin statue has a smaller footprint than its spreading drapery might suggest: 21 cm (8.3 in) in length and 16.5 cm (6.5 in) in depth. Leave clearance around the raised hand and crown when positioning it on a stable surface. The statue comes with a brocade gift box.

Care

Lift the statue with support under the body and base, keeping pressure off the raised fingers, crown and drapery loops. Dust with a soft, dry brush. Avoid abrasive cleaners and soaking.

Compare other seated Guanyin statues, or browse the ceramic and porcelain collection.