Ming Dynasty Large Painted Iron Sculpture of Avalokitesvara
£10,000
the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara seated rajalilasana on the back of a qilin, her face with contemplative expression and wearing a pointed crown, long flowing scarves, dhoti tied at the waist and beaded necklaces and set on a shaped base, traces of coloured pigment; the reverse with inscription
Height 85 cm (33.5 inches)
Ming dynasty, Circa 1500
The art of casting iron was first developed in China as far back as the Shang Dynasty the (1600-1100BC). By the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), iron production developed remarkably and zinc began to be used in metal smelting.
