Large Statue - Guan-yin Jadeite Stone - China -Art Nouveau

Very beautiful realization in Jadeite stone made in China.

This large statue represents "Guan-Yin" standing in a magnificent long dress crowned with a diadem of pearls, as an ideal of beauty and femininity.
In her hands she holds a tray filled with unopened lotus flowers, a symbol of purity.

First described in 1846, jadeite was named by a French mineralogist named Augustin A. Damour.
The name jadeite comes from the term "piedra de ijada" which means "flank stone" because of its numerous virtues on the kidneys. 

Jadeite can only be found in certain parts of the world, notably in Japan, Mexico, the United States, China and Guatemala. 
Unlike nephrite or other varieties of jade, jadeite is considered to be much rarer and of higher quality. 

Period: Late 19th - Early 20th century - Art Nouveau
Dimensions : Height : 98cm x Width : 30cm x Depth : 18cm

Guan-Yin, also called the "Chinese virgin", is the embodiment of compassion. 
She is an important figure of Buddhism in China and her name can be translated as "she who hears the cries of the world". 
"Guan" means to contemplate and "Yin" means incantation. 

Her cult was introduced into China in the 3rd century and gradually gained importance under the Tang Dynasty and then the Song Dynasty. 

The goddess Guan-Yin became very popular among the Chinese population, even among non-Buddhists. 
She appears in many religious writings, in artistic works (paintings and sculptures) and in ancient literature.