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Chinese Zizai Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), Seated Yellow Stone Bodhisattva with Mandorla (Antique, 100+ Years)
Chinese Zizai Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), Seated Yellow Stone Bodhisattva with Mandorla (Antique, 100+ Years)
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Chinese Zizai Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara)
This sculpture depicts a seated Zizai Guanyin (自在观音), carved from yellow stone and finished with a unified golden-toned surface. The bodhisattva is presented in a relaxed yet dignified seated posture, conveying both compassion and sovereign ease—hallmarks of the Zizai Guanyin iconographic tradition.
The figure’s expression is calm and inward-looking, with softly modeled facial features and a balanced cranial form crowned by an elaborate headdress. The body is proportioned with gentle curvature, emphasizing serenity rather than dramatic movement. The right hand is lowered in a gesture of offering or reassurance, while the left hand supports a lotus-form attribute.
The mandorla is carved as an integral stone element, rising behind the figure in a flame-shaped aureole incised with radiating lines. This treatment frames the bodhisattva as a focus of devotion while reinforcing vertical presence without excessive ornamentation.
Zizai Guanyin imagery flourished in China during the Ming and Qing periods, where the bodhisattva was venerated as an accessible manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, embodying freedom from suffering and compassionate authority. Stone sculptures of this scale were typically produced for temple halls or refined shrine environments.
Condition is consistent with an antique stone devotional sculpture. Minor surface wear, softened carving edges, and natural patination reflect age rather than later damage. No modern repainting or reworking is assumed without in-hand examination. The work should be understood as a devotional image valued for material integrity, iconographic clarity, and presence.
Key Facts
- Object type: Seated Bodhisattva sculpture (Zizai Guanyin)
- Material: Carved yellow stone
- Dimensions: Height approx. 80 cm; width approx. 45 cm
- Weight: Approx. 4.76 kg
- Period: Ming–Qing dynasty style
- Customs: HS Code 9706.00 | Country of Origin: China
Shipping & Logistics
- Estimated object weight: 4.76 kg
- Safe packed weight: ~12–15 kg
- Shipping method: EMS / courier possible with professional packing
Confidence & Verification Notes
Dating to the Ming–Qing period is based on stylistic analysis and seller description and should be treated as probable without in-hand examination or inscriptional evidence.
Explore the Collection
To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.
Authenticity & Stewardship
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
- Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
- Iconographic and stylistic verification
- Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
- Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
A Note on Stewardship and Collecting
At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.
Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.
Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration
Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.
If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.
Concierge Support & Collector Guidance
Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.
For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.
Before Proceeding
We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.
A Closing Note
Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.
If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.
Curatorial note: Stone bodhisattva sculptures benefit from stable placement and protection from vibration and moisture.
