Heart Sutra Guanyin Statue on an Inscribed Pedestal

Description

The Heart Sutra runs across the front of the pedestal, directly beneath Guanyin’s lowered foot. Above it, one arm rests over a raised knee while the other hand touches the seat. This is a sculpture to place where both the expression and the writing can be seen: the relaxed figure and the carefully ordered lines of text belong together.

Why Heart Sutra Guanyin?

Heart Sutra Guanyin takes its name from the Chinese scripture inscribed on the base. In Chinese, the design is called Xinjing Guanyin (心经观音): Xinjing is the Chinese name for the Heart Sutra. Guanyin, also known as Kuan Yin and Avalokiteshvara, is the bodhisattva of compassion and a central figure in this Buddhist teaching on the perfection of wisdom. The inscription gives this statue a particular meaning for someone who studies or recites the sutra—a place for compassion and wisdom to meet in daily practice.

The elaborate crown, beaded necklace and patterned folds reward a closer look. Against those flowing details, the upright pedestal has a rough, almost rock-like texture. The open posture belongs to the visual tradition often described as royal ease, with one leg raised and the other lowered.

Warm Metal or a Touch of Color

Made from brass in Tongling, Anhui, the antique tea-gold versions combine a warm metallic face and torso with darker areas in the robes and pedestal. The 46 cm figure has noticeably browner robes than the 61 cm figure; each has its own photographs. The 47 cm painted version brings coral-red patterned robes, gold-colored skin and a dark brown base together in a more colorful composition.

The available figures measure approximately:

• Antique Tea-Gold, 46 cm: 46 × 20 × 17 cm (18.1 × 7.9 × 6.7 in), about 6.25 kg (13.78 lb).
• Coral Red & Gold, 47 cm: 47 × 20 × 13 cm (18.5 × 7.9 × 5.1 in), about 6 kg (13.23 lb).
• Antique Tea-Gold, 61 cm: 61 × 26.5 × 20.5 cm (24.0 × 10.4 × 8.1 in), about 10 kg (22.05 lb).

Dimensions are height × width × depth; weights are for the statue itself. The 61 cm piece makes a substantial focal point, while the smaller versions need less space without losing the inscribed pedestal that defines the design.

You receive one brass Guanyin statue with the depicted inscribed pedestal. Set it on a sturdy, level indoor surface and support the base when moving it. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid abrasive polish and acidic cleaners on the colored finish.