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East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 14th to 16th century CE. A beautiful hand-carved stone sculpture that may have been an architectural finial for a baluster or pagoda, the underside of the base is hollowed for mounting. The conical shaped piece is comprised of stacked spherical forms, scrolling openwork flanges, and a figure seated at the top. The double bun coiffure and the pendant around the child’s neck is suggestive of Longnu, the dragon girl, the pendant although worn and soft, may have once been carved to resemble a dragon head and a vase is present in one hand. The child represents an acolyte of the bodhisattva Guanyin. In Chinese mythology a pair of children often appear accompany the goddess: a boy and a girl that either represent Yunu and Jintong or Longnu and Sudhana. Size: 20″ Diameter x 28″ H (50.8 cm x 71.1 cm)
These children were followers of Guanyin, although slightly different lore surrounded the individual pairs, although they served similar roles as helpers and guides. Longnu was perhaps inspired by the earlier stories of Yuni who was often referred to as the “Jade Maiden.”
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Condition: Abrasions and chips high pointed areas, otherwise intact. Softening to finer details and mineral deposits in recessed areas.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960-2000
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