GUANYIN SEATED IN MEDITATION ON A LOTUS THRONE

Description The Bodhisattva is absorbed in meditation, sitting on a high lotus throne, produced separately from the statue. The legs are crossed in padmasana, the hands joined in dhyanamudra with the thumbs raised to touch each other. The large circular throne consists of four rows of lotus petals above the base decorated with fretwork ornaments. The Bodhisattva's head is weighed down by the ponderous headdress: a large veil folded symmetrically and adorned with engraved flowers dominates the crown containing the Buddha Amitabha on a central lotus throne. Guanyin's (Avalokiteshvara) face is square, the features focused and sharp: broad brows converging on the straight nose, large half-closed eyes, a well-proportioned mouth. The neck shows three engraved folds, and his flat chest is adorned with an elaborate necklace. The sculpture shows traces of gilding (gold leaf mainly visible on the eyelids and hands) and traces of a black lacquer still visible on the face.