Carved Pale Nephrite Jade Pendant, Buddhist Deity with Attendant Child and Lotus, Chinese

~ Chinese Nephrite Jade Pendant Of Buddha With Child & Lotus Flower ~

A rounded, irregularly lobed pendant of pale ivory nephrite, carved in low relief to one face with a seated robed deity, long eared and serene in expression, hands held together at the chest, accompanied by a small child figure at one shoulder and a vase shape and scrolling ribbon to the other side. A band of stylised lotus petals runs along the base of the composition. The reverse is left plain and smoothly polished. The recessed carved lines show a soft brown staining that throws the design into relief. The pendant is suspended on a cord with a white bead and decorative thread wrapping.

Historical Context

The pairing of a seated Buddhist deity with a small child attendant and a lotus is one of the most recognisable and best loved subjects in Chinese decorative carving, closely associated with Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in her role as bestower of children and protector of the family. The lotus carries its own Buddhist symbolism of purity rising untouched from the mud, while the rounded, irregularly lobed outline used here, with a plain reverse and a low relief scene to the front, was a popular and enduring pendant format from the late Qing dynasty through the Republic period and into later decorative production, which makes it difficult to assign a precise date without an in hand inspection.

~ Dimensions ~

The piece has a diameter of 5 cm (2 inches).

It weighs 38 g.

~ Condition ~

The piece is in very nice condition with no damage.

JA#10434BO_965796422*