Figure Of Kuan-Yin Seated On Shell
DateQing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Object NameFigure
Mediumsoapstone
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: Height: 19.2 cm, Width: 10.4 cm, Depth: 5.3 cm
AcquisitionBequeathed in 1928 by Miss Ann Reid.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS024837
About MeKuan-Yin is goddess of compassion and mercy.Hardstone carving is a form of decorative art that has been a part of Chinese culture for over 3,000 years. This is largely due to many of the precious and semi-precious stones used, such as jade, turquoise, malachite, quartz and agate, occurring naturally in certain territories of China.
These different types of stones feature a wide variety of properties that Chinese artists were able to exploit, incorporating the natural coloration and textural qualities of the stones into their designs. Soapstone is composed primarily of talc and is a soft rock with an oily texture hence the name. Soapstone comes in various colours including white, brown, pink, green and yellow. Soapstone is easy to carve making it popular with Chinese carvers since ancient times.
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 1522 - 1619
Jugyoku
Meiji Period, 1868 - 1912
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Edo Period, possibly late 18th century
19th Century
