Jingdezhen: Statuette of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Jiangxi, Jingdezhen; Qing dynasty

This porcelain statuette was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) and was produced at Jingdezhen under the supervision of Tang Ying, whose signature is on the back. When it was excavated, the statuette contained Buddhist texts and other treasures.
Avalokitesvara has hair neatly combed and tied up in a topknot covered by a silk stole which extends down over the shoulders. The Bodhisattva has a round face with eyes cast down and wears a gentle smile. Around the neck there is a complex beaded necklace; the body is covered in a flowing robe. The Bodhisattva sits in relaxation posture with the right hand resting on the right knee and the left hand held down. The statuette is glazed in white, apart from the black glazed hair.