Object Details
Catalogue Note
A small Chinese image of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, hollow-cast in a copper-rich alloy with a warm brass- to bronze-toned surface. The slender figure is defined by a calm expression, tall headdress and long flowing robes rather than elaborate ornament.
Object Details
- Subject: Guanyin / Kwan Yin
- Origin: China
- Period: Probably mid-20th century
- Material: Hollow-cast copper alloy / cast metal
- Height: 16.5 cm
- Width: 7 cm
- Weight: 400 g
Catalogue Note
The alloy is described conservatively as copper alloy/cast metal because visual inspection alone cannot reliably distinguish brass from bronze. The figure is catalogued as vintage and probably mid-20th century rather than being given an unsupported antique attribution.
Casting and Manufacture
The sculpture is hollow-cast, a construction method widely used for Chinese devotional figures. Hollow casting by itself does not prove age: traditional core-based techniques remained in use well into the 20th century. For that reason, the date is assessed together with modelling, finishing, surface wear and patina.
Patina and Surface
The surface shows warm copper-alloy tones, darker recessed areas and light wear on raised details. These variations are consistent with handling and environmental exposure over time, but patina alone is never treated as proof of age.
Style and Dating
The frontal composition, simplified reverse and softly modelled facial features are characteristic of later devotional production rather than high-imperial Buddhist bronze workmanship. Taken together with the casting and surface, these features support the conservative working date of probably mid-20th century.
Iconography and Context
Guanyin is the Chinese form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Across Chinese devotional art, Guanyin appears in many forms and can be shown with different crowns, vessels, lotuses and hand gestures. This figure is catalogued simply as a standing Guanyin; there is no clear basis for a more specific “Guanyin with Child” identification.
Condition
Good vintage condition with warm patina and light surface wear. The nine photographs document the sculpture from multiple angles, including the reverse and base.
Research and Comparison
We assess small copper-alloy devotional figures by combining physical evidence with comparative experience and specialist opinion where relevant. Casting traces, patina, wear and style are read together rather than using any single feature as proof of age.
For a detailed case study of this method, see our Research Library article: Identifying and Dating a Chinese Guanyin – Casting, Patina and Expert Assessment.
