J.J. Lally & Co., Oriental Art / New York City, New York

21.
A BRONZE SEATED GUANYIN WITH A DRAGON

Song – Yuan Dynasty, 12th – 14th Century

the bodhisattva shown seated in the posture of royal ease on a rustic throne, with eyes half-closed and serene expression, the left elbow resting on a stack of books and holding a small vial of the elixir of mercy in the extended left hand, the right arm resting on the raised right knee and the right hand extended in vitarka mudra, wearing a dhoti loosely tied at the waist, adorned with elaborate jewelry including bracelets, armlets, heavy earrings, multiple necklaces, beaded girdles, and a high openwork crown surmounted by three Buddhas seated on lotus, the hair dressed in braids trailing down over the shoulders and entwined with long scarves draped over the arms and hanging down onto the roughly combed base on either side of a horned dragon leaping up with jaws open and holding a ‘pearl’ over its head, the surface with dark brown patina overall.

Height 11 ¹⁄₈ inches (28.3 cm)

宋 – 元　銅觀音坐像　高 28.3 厘米

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