Guanyin Holding a Child
1580-1644
carved ivory
(China )
(China )
The Chinese goddess of compassion, Guanyin, was a popular subject for Buddhist ivory figures. She is depicted as a young, beautiful maiden, sometimes carrying a book, a peach, or a child, as here. Those wishing to bear children would seek her help.
The figure conforms to and calls attention to the shape of the tusk.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
China (Place of Origin)
Measurements
11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
71.656