A Pair of Ivory Okimono Figuring Guanyin, China 19th Century

These Chinese ivory okimono depict the bodhisattva of compassion Avalokitesvara. It is represented in China under a female aspect and designated by the name of Guanyin. This character, unknown to the Western eye, is nevertheless very much appreciated in China where Guanyin has enjoyed a special fervour for several centuries.

Here Guanyin is playing the flute – a hobby that we know well – sitting on a Fenghuang. This mythical bird rules over all other birds because it is said to be the gentlest and wisest of all feathered creatures. It is often likened to the Chinese phoenix, although it differs in many ways. The Fenghuang is the symbol of the empress in the same way that the dragon is the symbol of the emperor.

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