Thousand-Armed Guanyin Statue in Dehua White Porcelain

Description

The hands are the defining feature of this Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue. They spread out in close, overlapping rows around a seated figure, framing a composed face and a pair of joined palms. Below, other hands rest before the folded legs, and the layered lotus seat anchors the broad silhouette.

Qianshou Guanyin: Compassion Without Limits

Thousand-Armed Guanyin expresses compassion able to reach suffering in every direction. The many hands and eyes give visible form to that idea. The Chinese name Qianshou Qianyan Guanyin means “thousand-handed, thousand-eyed Guanyin”; Thousand-Hand Kuan Yin is another English expression. This devotional name describes the subject, rather than a literal count of the arms on each sculpture.

White Porcelain, Seen from Different Angles

Made in Dehua, Fujian, this white porcelain sculpture belongs to the Blanc de Chine tradition. Light catches the curved fingers, raised beads and folds of the robe; deeper shadows separate the rows of hands. From behind, the circular arrangement and draped central back become clear. The photographs show the same white D17-102 model throughout.

Space for the Full Silhouette

The sculpture measures approximately 46 cm (18.1 in) high, with maximum width and depth of 31 × 16.5 cm (12.2 × 6.5 in). Allow clear space around the projecting hands as well as above the crown. A level indoor altar or display surface will let the complete outline be seen without crowding the fine details.

What You Will Receive and How to Handle It

One white porcelain Guanyin sculpture, model D17-102, including the lotus base shown. Support it securely underneath the base when moving it; do not lift by the arms, hands or crown. Dust gently with a soft brush and avoid pressure on projecting details.

See other Thousand-Armed Guanyin statues, or explore Dehua Blanc de Chine Guanyin for other white porcelain forms.