Female Figure with Peony Branch, Accompanied by a Lion
Artist
Chinese
DateQing Dynasty
Mediumlapis lazuli
Dimensionsoveral with base: 19.5 × 11.7 × 6.4 cm (7 11/16 × 4 5/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.28
DescriptionFigure of a woman carrying flowering branch over her right shoulder with fu-dog at her left.Label TextFemale Figure with Peony Branch, Accompanied by a Lion Lapis lazuli; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), late 18th century Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.28 These works exemplify the popular fusing of Taoist and Buddhist iconography. The female figure in lapis lazuli, with a topknot and holding a peony branch, could be a Taoist deity. However, she may also refer to Manjusri, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Wisdom, whose vehicle was a lion; or to Guanyin, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Mercy, who had supremacy over the forces of nature Similarly, the larger jadeite figure holding a lotus could be Guanyin. However, the hairstyle, fluttering robe and pose, suggest that she is probably the female Taoist immortal He Xian-gu with her characteristic attribute, the lotus. ProvenanceMrs. Harry W. Goddard, Worcester MA
On View
Not on view
Ancient Egyptian
scarab: possibly New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE; gold mount: modern
Female Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and a Branch with Ripe Peaches and Basket, Accompanied by a Boy
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
