A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF GUANYIN CHINA, LATE MING DYNASTY, 16TH / 17TH CENTURY

seated in dhyanasana with right hand holding the end of a willow stem, the left hand holding a cup, dressed in loose robes with chased floral borders, the expressive face framed by elongated earlobes, the elaborate openwork tiara centered by a figure of Amitabha Buddha and beaded necklace

Collection of Mr. I. G. Napier, acquired in Beijing circa 1900, and thence by descent.

In the present lot, Guanyin is portrayed in the manifestation known as the Willow Leaf Guanyin. In this form the bodhisattva holds a cup of elixir in the left hand and a stalk of willow leaves in the right. The willow has evil dispelling properties and is used to sprinkle the elixir over devotees. The elixir is believed to cure all physical and spiritual illnesses. This iconographic form was popular among devotees wishing for good health.