Hezhang Guanyin with Praying Hands

A familiar gesture gives Hezhang Guanyin its name: palms pressed together in reverence. Glossy Dehua white porcelain carries that gesture from the softly modeled face to the folded sleeves and lotus seat. The smaller figure has a vase resting on the lap; the larger one sits on a taller lotus throne, with its own sculpted proportions.

Viewing Medium · 8 to under 16 in. All available options remain below.

Free shipping on orders over $50!

Satisfaction Guaranteed
No Hassle Refunds
Secure Payments

Description

Between the lowered eyes and the lotus seat, joined palms are the focus of this Hezhang Guanyin statue. The white glaze catches the edges of the fingers and flowing sleeves, while leaving the face free of painted decoration. It is a composed image for the place where you keep a daily devotional practice.

The Meaning of Hezhang

Hezhang (合掌) means joining the palms. The gesture is known as anjali mudra in Buddhist art and expresses reverence. On this Hezhang Kwan Yin, the fingers meet beneath a lowered gaze, making the hands the center of the white porcelain composition.

Two Lotus Seats, Two Distinct Figures

At 29.5 cm (11.6 in), the figure sits above open, finely ridged lotus petals. A slender vase with a sprig rests on the lap below the joined hands. The 40 cm (15.7 in) version has a taller throne with upright, rounded petal forms and a broad flared base. It has no vase. The faces, crowns, robe folds and pedestals differ, so each option is shown in its own photograph.

White Porcelain from Dehua

Both options are offered in white porcelain from Dehua, Fujian. Dehua’s white porcelain tradition is known internationally as Blanc de Chine. Here, the glossy, unpainted surface makes the modeling of the hands, robes and lotus central to the piece. These are contemporary statues.

Allow Room for the Base

The smaller option has a base approximately 16 cm (6.3 in) long and 15 cm (5.9 in) wide. The larger measures approximately 25 cm (9.8 in) long and 22.5 cm (8.9 in) wide. Check these dimensions as well as the overall height when choosing a shelf, shrine or display cabinet. The detail photographs and video on this page show the 29.5 cm (11.6 in) figure.

Included and Care

Includes one Guanyin statue with its attached lotus base. Display indoors on a stable, level surface. Support the base with both hands when moving it; avoid gripping the crown, joined hands or vase. Use a soft brush to remove dust, and keep abrasive cleaners away from the glaze.

Approximate dimensions, including the attached base
Design	Height	Length	Width
Open Lotus Seat with Vase	29.5 cm (11.6 in)	16 cm (6.3 in)	15 cm (5.9 in)
Tall Lotus Throne	40 cm (15.7 in)	25 cm (9.8 in)	22.5 cm (8.9 in)

For other interpretations of this gesture, see our Guanyin with joined palms. The Blanc de Chine collection brings together more Dehua white porcelain figures.