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Antique Chinese carved wood Guanyin figure cradling a child, front view
Close-up of painted face and black robe on antique Chinese Guanyin figure
Carved black robes and red-swaddled infant on antique Chinese wood figure
Side profile of antique Chinese carved wood Guanyin figure holding child
Back of antique Chinese wood figure showing open consecration cavity
Rear view of headdress and carved back on antique Chinese Guanyin figure
Profile of antique Chinese Guanyin figure showing swaddled child in arms
Close-up of age crack through face of antique Chinese carved wood figure
Detail of red-lacquered swaddled infant on antique Chinese Guanyin figure
Underside of antique Chinese carved wood figure base with fixing holes
Antique Chinese carved wood Guanyin figure held in hand to show scale
Front close-up of painted red-brown face on antique Chinese Guanyin figure
Top view of carved topknot on antique Chinese wood Guanyin figure

Antique Chinese Carved Wood Guanyin & Child Figure | 19th Century

A characterful antique Chinese carved and polychromed wood figure of Guanyin cradling a child, thought to be early 19th century, possibly earlier.

Seated and robed in black, she holds a swaddled infant wrapped in red across her chest. Her face is painted in warm red-brown tones with fine black brows and eyes. She wears a flat-topped headdress over a sculpted topknot, with ear ornaments falling to either side.

Figures of Guanyin holding a child, known as Songzi Guanyin or "child-giving Guanyin", were kept on family altars by those praying for children and the continuation of the family line.

The back is roughly carved and has a rectangular consecration cavity. These cavities once held sacred items such as paper prayers, herbs or coins, sealed in to "enliven" the figure. The cavity is now open. The base has three fixing holes, likely for mounting on an altar or shrine.

Years of incense smoke and candlelight have given her a deep, smoky surface, with traces of original red lacquer still visible.

Condition: Commensurate with age and altar use. There is an old vertical age crack through the headdress and face, and paint losses to the headdress brim and edges. General surface wear, rubbing and losses throughout. The consecration cavity is open and empty. The base has fixing holes. Stable and displays beautifully. Please see photos as part of the description.

Dimensions: 21cm high

Price: £50