Pagoda Canopy Guanyin Statue in Boxwood

Description

The canopy is part of the sculpture’s appeal: a small rounded finial rises above the roof, chains and pendants hang around its edge, and curtains gather in knots beside Guanyin’s shoulders. Turn the piece around and those curtains become a sweep of deep folds across the back. It rewards a view from the side as well as the front.

A Canopy around Guanyin

The pagoda-shaped canopy gives this design the name Daita Guanyin (带塔观音), “Guanyin with a pagoda.” It forms a miniature shrine-like setting around the seated figure. Kuan Yin, another spelling of Guanyin, is the bodhisattva of compassion; here, the lowered eyes and small water vase give that familiar presence a quiet, intimate scale.

The statue is carved in large-leaf boxwood and finished by hand. Its warm yellow color sets off the raised necklace, the fingers held beside the chest, and the lotus petals below the folded legs. Natural differences in the wood’s grain and tone are part of each piece.

For an Altar or a Thoughtful Gift

The full sculpture measures approximately 18 cm high × 7.5 cm wide × 6.3 cm deep (7.1 × 3.0 × 2.5 in). The canopy gives it height while the narrow base leaves room on a small altar or display shelf. The hand-held photograph helps show its actual scale.

You receive one statue with its carved canopy and lotus base, packed in a brocade gift box. The wooden display surface in the photographs is not included.

Lift the sculpture from its base, taking care around the hanging ornaments and raised fingers. Keep indoors, away from moisture, direct sun and strong heat; use a soft, dry brush to remove dust from the carved folds.