Seated Figure of Guanyin (Longquan ware, "Southern celadon")
Artist
Chinese
, Zhejiang province
Date15th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Mediumporcelaneous ware and lime-alkali glaze, tinted by traces of iron and titanium
Dimensions11.1 cm (4 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.44
Label TextDestined for a small home altar, this figurine representing Guanyin, the Buddhist
Bodhisattva of Mercy, attests to the long and successful history of the
Longquan kilns. The local petuntse clay, mixed with iron-rich clay, turned a
reddish tint when fired without glaze. The effect was successfully used in this
sculpture, giving Guanyin’s unglazed face and chest a warm, rusty color, in
striking contrast to the celadon glaze of her robe.
While Longquan-ware vessels were widely exported, figurines such as this were
primarily made for the domestic market. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the
rise in popularity of Jingdezhen porcelains caused a marked decline in the
Longquan ware markets and production.On View
On viewLocations
- Exhibition Location Gallery 112
Chinese
Southern Song period (1127–1279)
Chinese
early to mid 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Chinese
early 14th–late 15th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Chinese
late 11th century –early 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
14th–15th century
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)