Guanyin with Child (Songzi Guanyin) in Boxwood

$279.00

A smiling child rests securely in Guanyin’s hands, palms joined in prayer. This small-leaf boxwood carving gives the traditional Songzi subject a tender, intimate presence at 19 cm (7.5 in) tall.

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Description

The child leans into Guanyin’s arms with a broad smile and hands joined at the chest. One of Guanyin’s hands supports the little feet; the other steadies the body. Against the lowered eyes and composed face above, this small gesture of care gives the carving its character.

Guanyin with Child: The Songzi Tradition

Guanyin with Child names the figure shown here: the bodhisattva holding an infant. In Chinese, this subject is known as Songzi Guanyin (送子观音), often translated as “Child-Giving Guanyin.” It belongs to a long devotional tradition in which people turn to Guanyin with prayers for children and hopes for family. The image expresses compassion through the closeness of the embrace.

From the Embrace to the Waves

The carving continues well beyond the two faces. Layers of robe curl outward around the standing figure, a lotus leaf opens beneath the feet, and rounded waves gather into the base. Small-leaf boxwood gives the scene a warm golden tone. The details are refined by hand; grain, shade and small carving details can vary between individual pieces.

At approximately 19 × 6.5 × 5.5 cm (7.5 × 2.6 × 2.2 in), height × width × depth, it fits a small altar or a shelf where the faces can be seen at close range. The listing is for one sculpture in this size, supplied with a gift box. The teapot, beads and other background objects are photographic props.

Keep the wood indoors, away from damp, direct sunlight and heating vents. Dust gently with a soft, dry brush, and lift from the base rather than the child, hands or projecting robe edges.