A LARGE AND RARE LONGQUAN CELADON GUANYIN 'SHRINE' MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY

the Goddess finely modelled seated in 'royal ease' within a rocky alcove on a tiered rockwork throne, dressed in a flowing robe and adorned with elaborate beaded jewellery, her face with gentle smile beneath a high tiara, all framed within an arch applied with a freely modelled bird and the 'Vase of Immortality' perched on ledges amidst scrolling leafy vines and lotus, at the base stand two acolytes on rocky ledges above foaming waves, covered overall in a rich bluish-green glaze save for the faces, hands and some vessels reserved in the reddish-brown biscuit

Collection of Charles Russell (1866-1960).
Sotheby's London, 12th July 1960, lot 123.
Collection of Dr Carl Kempe (1884-1967).
Sotheby's London, 14th May 2008, lot 335.

Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Ceramics in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1964, pl. 167.

This shrine is in fair condition with the loss of several extremities overall, particularly to the foliage on the arch, curling waves at the base, top of the crown and mandorla, ribbons, and associated glaze cracks overall. There is restoration to Guanyin's right hand and right edge of robe, the heads of the acolytes, the two alms bowls, censer, and over-painting to the unglazed areas.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Longquan celadon shrines of this impressive size are uncommon, and the present piece is exceptional for the delicacy of its details. The fine jewellery, each bead applied individually, the repetition of curls to render an ornate scene befitting to the subject,  and the delicacy of the leaves of foliage, demonstrate the skill of the Longquan potters in the production of devotional figures for the home market. The goddess is shown as Guanyin of the South Sea, who, according to legend, was a virtuous young woman martyred and consequently transformed into a manifestation of Avalokitesvara for her piety. Flanked by her two acolytes, Longnu and Shancai, the waves represent her home in the South Sea, while the beggar’s bowl symbolise her role as the Goddess of Mercy. In the tradition of celadon figures, the face and hands have been left unglazed to allow for the application of pigment or gilding.

A slightly smaller two-tiered shrine, in the collection of Mr and Mrs Jack Chia, illustrated in Julian Thompson, ‘Chinese Celadons’, Arts of Asia, November-December, 1993, front cover, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 5th November 1996, lot 615; and another, from the Charles Russell collection, is illustrated in R.L. Hobson et. al., Chinese Ceramics in Private Collections, London, 1931, pl. 340. Compare also a larger shrine, from the Edward T. Chow collection, engraved with a date corresponding to 1385, sold in in our London rooms, 16th December 1980, lot 324, and again, 16th June 1998, lot 232.

Smaller Longquan celadon shrines of this type include one, from the collection of J.C. Dragon II, sold in these rooms, 5th November 1996, lot 615; and two sold at Christie’s New York, the first, from the Evelyn Annenberg Hall collection, 29th March 2006, lot 90, and the second, from the estate of Stanley Hertzman, 20th September 2002, lot 308.