Figure of Bodhisattva Guanyin riding a lion

Art Historical Context

This exquisite porcelain figure depicts Bodhisattva Guanyin, the compassionate savior in Chinese Buddhism, riding a lion—a dynamic pose symbolizing protection and divine power. Crafted in the early 18th century during the Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty, it hails from Jingdezhen, China's imperial porcelain capital renowned for its technical mastery. Standing about 10 inches tall on a separate base, with a removable tail for the lion, the sculpture captures Guanyin's serene grace amid the beast's ferocity, reflecting Buddhist iconography popular among Qing elites and devotees. The artwork showcases innovative polychrome enamel painting over biscuit porcelain—an unglazed, matte body that provided a canvas-like surface for vibrant, detailed overglaze colors. This technique, perfected at Jingdezhen under Kangxi patronage, allowed for lifelike shading and intricate patterns, elevating ceramics to sculptural art. Such pieces were prized in temples and scholarly collections, blending spirituality with imperial luxury. A gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1962, this rare figure highlights the Kangxi era's porcelain renaissance, where technical virtuosity met profound cultural reverence for Guanyin, embodying mercy in turbulent times.