Dharma Wheel Guanyin Statue in Brass

Description

A small wheel rests above the open palm, its pierced spokes clearly visible against the folds of the robe. The other hand is raised, while the long garment falls almost straight to the bare feet. From the front, this Dharma Wheel Guanyin statue has a restrained, upright outline; from the side, the projecting wheel and gently curved hands give it depth.

A Teaching Symbol Held in the Hand

The Dharma wheel, or dharmachakra, represents the Buddha’s teaching; its familiar eight-spoked form recalls the Noble Eightfold Path. Falun means Dharma wheel in Chinese. On this Falun Guan Yin, the pierced spokes remain visible against the long robes, identifying the theme through the held object.

Falun (法轮) is the Chinese term for the Dharma wheel, which explains the name Falun Guanyin. The design is also listed as Nanhai Guanyin (南海观音), meaning Guanyin of the South Sea. Guanyin and Kuan Yin are different English spellings of the same name.

Color Across the Robes and Lotus

In Antique Tea-Gold, the warm golden surface is darkened in the folds and around the lotus petals. Fine gold-colored lines trace the garment edges, and the pedestal continues the same gold-and-brown palette. Coral Pattern & Gold has pale robes crossed by fine coral-red markings, a deep red lotus and a blue band of swirling relief beneath it. Both finishes retain a gold-colored face, hands and Dharma wheel.

The statue is made of brass in Tongling, Anhui. A small seated figure appears in the crown, above the softly lowered eyes. The close photographs show the wheel, hands and lotus of the antique tea-gold finish; the coral-patterned version has its own front, side and rear views.

Proportions for an Indoor Altar

At approximately 41.5 cm (16.3 in) high, the figure stands on a footprint of 15 × 15 cm (5.9 × 5.9 in). Its approximate weight is 3.5 kg (7.72 lb). The tall outline gives the crown and wheel room to be seen without requiring a wide display surface.

One statue in your chosen finish is included, with its pictured lotus pedestal and round base. Place it on a level, sturdy indoor surface. Support the base when lifting and avoid pressure on the wheel or raised hand. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; abrasive metal polish, soaking and acidic cleaners can damage the colored finish.