Chinese painting ‘Avalokiteshvara’, Qing dynasty

An elegant depiction of the bodhisattva of compassion, known as Avalokiteshvara. Made with pigment and ink on silk. The deity is placed in the centre, against a sky of curling, faintly coloured clouds on a deep blue background. He is arranged in vajrasana, on a lotiform throne of large pink petals, with his right hand in bhumisparshamudra, holding a slender branch between his fingers, and his left hand in vitarkamudra, on which rests a small porcelain bowl.

Attired in an exquisite celestial robe of vibrant red, blue and green, replete with gold embroidered details and small dangling jewels. The hair, tied in a high bun, is topped by a beautiful crown of flames, gems and a central image. The expression is serene and compassionate, with open eyes, and a small gem on the forehead, referencing the third eye of illumination, the mouth is shown closed in a subtle smile, and the fine eyebrows frame the face. Behind him, a double circular halo emphasizes the divinity of the scene. 

In the left margin is a label stating ‘子臣 永琰發心敬造’, along with two seals. In it, Yong Yan (1760-1820), later known as Emperor Jiaqing, refers to his father, the great Emperor Qianlong. Image of provenance attached. 

Size: 51.5 x 57.5 cm; Size with frame: 68.5 x 74.5 cm. 

Provenance: 

- French private collection