明末清初 德化窯白瓷觀音立像|Bodhisattva Guanyin

About this artwork

This porcelain figure of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, exemplifies Dehua ware (known in the West as blanc de chine) at its most spiritually evocative and technically accomplished. Created during the late Ming (1368-1644) or early Qing (1644-1911) dynasty, this 16 1/4-inch figure demonstrates the Dehua kilns' mastery of white porcelain with ivory-toned glaze—a material prized for its smooth, jade-like surface and ability to capture subtle modeling and drapery details. Guanyin, original...

Art Historical Context

This exquisite porcelain figure of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion stands 16¼ inches tall and exemplifies the pinnacle of Dehua ware—known in the West as de chine—from China's Fujian province kilns. Crafted in the late Ming (1368–1644) or early Qing1644–1911) dynasty during the 17th century, its smooth ivory-toned glaze and jade-like surface capture intricate details of flowing robes and subtle modeling, creating a spiritually evocative glow that seems to emanate inner light. Guanyin, originally the male Avalokitesh from Indian Buddhism, evolved in Chinese tradition into a feminine dei...