Aid and Trade

Retail Price: $425.00 Wholesale Price:     $24.00 Your Profit: $401.00

China, Northern Song Dynasty Style, late Qing reproduction c. 19th century. The Bodhisattva of Compassion, Savior of those in distress, and patron of women seeking children, Kwan Yin is the divine Intercessor who, by her grace, ensures a bountiful harvest and abundant children; and who also carries departed souls to the Pure Land of Amitabha. Originating in the Indian male figure of the bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara, Kwan Yin increasingly adopted feminine characteristics as Buddhism moved north across the Himalayas. This help the new religion accommodate itself to the more mundane Chinese preoccupation with fertility and procreation, especially of male offspring. This Chinese Song dynasty image, mid-way in the gender transition from the Indian and masculine icon of Avalokitesvara to its Chinese and feminine variation, adopts the languid seated pose known as lalitasana - seated with the right hand resting on the raised knee - suggesting the confidence of royalty and the self-assurance of imperial power. Dimensions: 18.9"H x 9.8"W x 7.9"L