Description: A beautiful antique cast bronze / copper detailed sculpture of a seated Kannon from the Japanese Meiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, early 20th century. The contemplative cast Kwan Yin (short for KwanShiYin) or Guanyin figure is seated in the Rajalilasana (royal ease) posture with the robe falling open exposing an elaborate necklace and pendant earrings framing the downcast head adorned with a high chignon draped with a hooded cape depicted with a praying Buddha to the right. The dimensions are approximately 24 in. H x 21 in. L x 6 in. Depth. Weight is approximately 25 lbs. Contains brass seal and wax Customs Import stamps. Kuan Yin is short for KwanShiYin, which translates to "The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World". Kannon. (religion, Buddhism) Kannon, the Japanese version of Guanyin, the Chinese translation of Avalokite?vara, the bodhisattva of mercy and compassion. Guanyin, from Chinese Buddhism, is comparable to Mother Mary, an embodiment of mercy and infinite compassion. Chinese Buddhists believe that Guanyin is the female aspect of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of Compassion. It has been debated that Guanyin’s origins go back to Taoism, the indigenous religion of China. As Mahayana Buddhism began to filter into China from the 1st century CE, Taoist deities were co-opted into Buddhism – a deliberate tactic, perhaps, on the part of Buddhists to gradually phase out the older religion. Notwithstanding the debate over her history, the fact remains that Guanyin is greatly revered across Buddhist communities in Asia. She is known as Kannon in Japan, Gwan-eum in Korea, Kuan Eim in Thailand and Dewi Kwan Im in Indonesia. To Tibetan Buddhists she is Tara, born from a single tear shed by Avalokitesvara. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, Guanyin’s features in Chinese iconography were distinctly masculine. Over time, she acquired an androgynous form and eventually morphed into a goddess-like figure. In contemporary iconography, Guanyin is depicted as an ethereally lovely, white-robed goddess. A popular representation has her standing on a lotus petal. Her head, encircled by a halo, is slightly tilted, intent on catching the smallest plea for help. The material used to sculpt the statue symbolizes her many virtues – jade for virtue, marble for constancy and porcelain for innocence. Depending upon the various schools of Chinese Buddhism, Guanyin may be seen in solitary meditation or seated by the side of a Buddha, with another bodhisattva accompanying them. As a symbol of compassion, Guanyin is popularly linked with vegetarianism. Her image is often seen in the interiors of vegetarian restaurants in China and Buddhist literature on vegetarianism..House of Craven Auction Gallery: Please consider downloading our free mobile app available on iOS and Android: House of Craven. Have a similar item to sell? Contact us about consignment opportunities for House of Craven’s future auctions or private sales by emailing us: craven@houseofcraven.com or Call | Text | WhatsApp | 305.769.8088. Shipping: House of Craven Auction Gallery does not offer in-house shipping for this item. House of Craven will refer third-party shippers for all domestic and international buyers. Purchasers can schedule pick up at the West Palm Beach, Florida Auction Warehouse. Appointments are available upon request by emailing: craven@houseofcraven.com. Condition: Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a Lot, all Lots are offered and sold "As Is, Where Is," in accordance with our Conditions of Sale. All Auction Lots are available for a FaceTime viewing, by appointment, with one of our Team Members on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, or Wednesday, October 23, 2024. To schedule a FaceTime appointment, please email us: craven@houseofcraven.com.