Putuo Guanyin on a Hou — Antique Gold Brass Statue

$1,999.00

A gold-toned face, amber-brown robes and a sweeping flame halo rise above the mythical Hou. This brass Putuo Guanyin stands 40 cm (15.7 in) high overall and weighs approximately 7 kg (15.4 lb), with a broad wave base that gives the seated composition a substantial presence.

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Description

The pale gold face stands out against the shaded amber-brown robes. Up close, a small seated Buddha fills the crown, a willow sprig rests between the raised fingers, and a narrow vase sits on the open palm. The wide saddle beneath Guanyin has a floral panel on each side; below it, the Hou’s mane, claws and curling tail meet the raised scrolls of the wave base.

Guanyin of Mount Putuo

Putuo Guanyin refers to Guanyin’s association with Mount Putuo, the island off Zhejiang’s coast that became an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Putuoshan Kuan Yin is another way of writing the name: shan means mountain, and Kuan Yin is a familiar English spelling of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion.

The mythical mount is called Jinmao Hou, or Golden-Haired Hou. One foot rests on a small lotus beside its floral saddle, while the other leg folds across the seat. The broad animal and curling wave base give this Putuoshan Kuan Yin a wide, layered composition below the tall flame halo.

Antique Gold and Amber-Brown Brass

Made by lost-wax casting in Tongling, Anhui, this brass Putuo Guanyin statue uses gold-colored highlights and deep brown recesses to define the face, jewelry and draped fabric. The finish has the warm, shaded appearance often called antique gold. Look around the back to see the broad halo plate, its pierced flame edge and the robe falling over a lotus seat. The side photographs show the depth of the saddle and the space between the figure and the halo.

A dark wood altar or a plain wall gives the outline room to read. Gentle light from above and to one side can pick out the raised decoration without overwhelming the face with reflections.

Size, Contents and Care

Total height, including the halo and base, is approximately 40 cm (15.7 in). The base is 29.5 cm (11.6 in) across × 17.5 cm (6.9 in) deep. At approximately 7 kg (15.4 lb), it needs a firm, level surface with room around the halo and projecting details.

You will receive one Putuo Guanyin statue with the Hou mount, wave base and halo shown. Display indoors in a dry location. Lift beneath the base, keeping pressure off the halo, willow sprig, vase and fingers. Use a soft, dry cloth for dusting; avoid abrasive metal polish and acidic cleaners.