Three-Sided Guanyin Statue in Huangyang Wood

Description

Turn the sculpture and a different image of Guanyin comes into view. One figure supports a child with joined palms; another holds a slender water vase; the third raises one hand in front of her chest. Their robes and flame-shaped halos meet around a shared center, rising from the same layered lotus pedestal.

Why Three-Sided Guanyin?

The name describes the sculpture’s construction: three outward-facing figures brought together in one standing statue. Its Chinese name, Nanhai Sanmian Guanyin (南海三面观音), combines “South Sea Guanyin” with “three-sided.” Each view has its own hands and attributes, so the composition rewards being seen from more than one direction.

The child and water vase are familiar Guanyin subjects, brought into one wooden Guan Yin through different outward-facing figures. They distinguish this design from three-sided versions carrying a lotus, beads and scripture. Allow a view around the pedestal to appreciate the separate gestures.

A Small Sculpture to See from All Sides

The warm yellow-gold color of huangyang wood makes the carved jewelry, robe folds and petal edges easy to follow. The piece is partly hand-worked, with details refined by hand. Natural grain and shade, as well as small carving details, can vary from one sculpture to another.

At approximately 20 × 6.4 × 6.4 cm (7.9 × 2.5 × 2.5 in), height × width × depth, it suits a compact home altar or a display shelf with room to see its sides. The listing is for one three-sided sculpture; the photographs show different views of that single design.

Keep the wood indoors, away from damp, direct sunlight and heating vents. Dust with a soft, dry brush and lift from the base, taking care around the hands, child and halo edges.