Northern Wei White Jade Guanyin Figure (c. 520 CE) — Scholarly Provenance Notes — 41cm Monumental Carving in Acrylic Case (China, Found in Japan)

Overview & Catalogue Note

A monumental white‑jade devotional figure attributed by inscription and stylistic character to the Northern Wei period, dated to around 520 CE. Presented seated in contemplative stillness with a prominent circular mandorla‑like backing element, the sculpture reads as a Guanyin / Kannon‑type bodhisattva image—an early Northern Chinese articulation of compassion iconography as it moved from courtly Buddhism into a wider landscape of temple commissioning and scholastic attention. The carving’s scale (41 cm) places it decisively in the realm of statement objects: not a cabinet miniature, but a display‑grade devotional work intended to anchor a room and command viewing distance.

Carved from pale, creamy white jade with natural translucency and soft internal clouding, the surface shows age‑appropriate mellowing rather than the sharp “new” brightness of modern polishing. The handling of drapery folds is disciplined and architectural—planes that turn with deliberation instead of decorative excess—matching the Northern Wei preference for structural clarity. Facial features are serene and reserved, with a calm gaze and measured mouth line; the overall affect is formal, introspective, and devotional rather than theatrical. The figure’s base is substantial and squared, supporting the seated posture and offering stability for display.

Inscription & Documentary Frame (What We Can and Cannot Claim)

The listing notes a dated inscription referencing 520 and identifies the work as Northern Wei. In the absence of laboratory testing, museum deaccession paperwork, or full epigraphic publication, we treat the dating and origin as a well‑supported claim rather than an absolute certainty. What is certain: the object is presented with a reference book and with supplementary documentation in the lot, and it is housed within a fitted acrylic display case. These inclusions elevate the object beyond decorative inventory and into the category of “document‑accompanied” collecting.

Comparative Scholarship (Hebei / Yungang / Longmen Context)

Northern Wei devotional sculpture occupies a crucial hinge in Buddhist visual culture: the consolidation of Chinese court Buddhism and the emergence of monumental temple programs. The Hebei region, as a corridor of Northern dynastic movement and temple patronage, is frequently discussed alongside the great cave‑temple traditions. Yungang (near Datong) is known for early Northern Wei imperial commissions with powerful, frontally‑oriented serenity, while Longmen (near Luoyang) develops a slightly later refinement—softer transitions, more fluent drapery rhythms, and evolving facial ideals. This figure’s composed frontality and architectural fold logic resonate with Northern Wei sensibilities, while the calm, human scale of expression invites the later Longmen atmosphere as a comparative lens. In short: it sits credibly within the Northern Wei / early Northern Chinese orbit of compassion imagery, where the language of faith is made legible through restraint.

Collector Relevance (Private Acquisition Variant)

For a private collector, this work functions as a singular devotional anchor and a conversation‑piece of scholarship. The combination of large scale, pale jade presence, and protective acrylic housing supports “living display”—a piece that can be placed in a study, a listening room, or a contemporary interior where quiet authority is valued. The included reference material and documentation make it especially suited to collectors who want an object with context rather than a purely decorative “look.” This is the kind of sculpture that rewards slow viewing: morning light, evening lamp, and the long arc of ownership.

Institutional Acquisition Variant (Museum / Foundation / Corporate Collection)

For an institution, the object’s value is legibility and teaching utility: scale sufficient for exhibition, a devotional subject that bridges Chinese Buddhist history and pan‑East Asian reception, and an object format (acrylic case) aligned with practical display safety. It can be positioned within a gallery narrative on Northern dynastic Buddhism, on the material culture of jade in religious practice, or on the migration of iconographic forms into Japanese collecting contexts. Where institutions require certainty, we recommend a pre‑acquisition assessment (gemological confirmation of jade species, UV / microscopy surface read, and an epigraphic review of the inscription and accompanying papers). The object’s presentability and documentary inclusions make it a strong candidate for scholarly stewardship.

Key Facts

• Attributed period: Northern Wei, dated around 520 CE (per inscription / documentation)
• Culture / origin: China (acquired through Japan market)
• Material: White jade (stone)
• Dimensions (approx.): H 41 cm × W 21 cm × D 14.2 cm
• Weight (approx.): 10.8 kg (object only)
• Display: Acrylic case included
• Extras: Reference book / documentation included
• Condition: Age presence; overall presentation reads as good for an antiquity‑grade object (see photos for surface and edges)

Condition & Conservation Notes

Antique stone objects commonly show gentle edge softness, minor surface irregularities, and tonal variation consistent with age and handling. The listing indicates overall good condition as an art object, and the fitted acrylic case reduces display risk. Please examine all photos for close‑ups of edges, base corners, and the mandorla element; we recommend a careful unboxing protocol and padded support at every stage of handling.

Shipping & Handling

This is a heavy, display‑cased stone object. Professional packing is mandatory.

• Recommended packing: Double‑box system + foam cradle + corner blocks + vibration buffer + sealed moisture barrier.
• Estimated safe packaged weight: 28~35 kg (object + acrylic + padding + outer carton).

Confidence & Verification Notes

Dating, workshop, and exact origin claims rely on the inscription and the accompanying papers noted in the lot, plus stylistic alignment with Northern Chinese Buddhist sculpture. Without scientific testing and full epigraphic publication, we present the attribution as well‑supported but not absolute. If you require museum‑level certainty, we recommend: (1) gemological identification of jade type, (2) microscopy surface review, (3) high‑resolution epigraphic translation, and (4) third‑party appraisal letter.

Collector’s Resonance

For the buyer who wants quiet power rather than spectacle: a work that reads like a held breath—devotion made physical, and time made visible. It carries the kind of authority that does not shout; it simply remains.

Explore the Collection

For related sacred works and museum‑grade objects curated to 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.