Guanyin in Kutani porcelain, Japan, Meiji era, late 19th century

The deity is depicted standing, holding a scroll in her hand. Her face has a benevolent expression, and her entire body exudes great tranquility. The goddess of mercy is sculpted in fine Kutani porcelain covered with enamel and gold. A myriad of white enamel beads in subtle relief add depth to the white of her robe. This is a very beautiful representation of Guanyin, distinguished by the quality of its execution from the large number of similar deities created during this period in Japan. Under the base, two of the five Chinese characters painted in red enamel indicate that the statue was created in the Kutani kilns; the other three characters probably indicate the artist's name. In good condition, no restorations; only the thumb of the left hand was broken and simply reattached, as can be seen in an enlarged photo. Height 50cm.