Chinese Guanyin Figures, Mounted as Lamps, a Pair.

Description

A colorful pair of hand-painted Chinese Guanyin figures, now mounted as lamps on two-tiered pagoda-like brass bases. The figures are … more A colorful pair of hand-painted Chinese Guanyin figures, now mounted as lamps on two-tiered pagoda-like brass bases. The figures are stamped “China” at the bottom on the back, signifying they are likely late 19th/early 20th century. Judging from the style and quality of the detail of the bases—meticulously decorated with incised Asian motifs—these were probably converted to lamps in the 30’s or 40’s. Even though these are a pair and mirror images of each other, there are slight variations in the decoration on their robes. Both are holding lotus blossoms and standing on plinths with more lotus but some colors vary ever so slightly. Two pictures worth noting: the closeup of the figure with the robe that sweeps to the left, the thumbs on both hands are short—perhaps an old repair, but it is barely noticeable; on the other figure, there is minor paint loss on the orange robe by the shoulder. Otherwise, the pair is in remarkable condition given their age and fragile nature. The actual figures are 11” tall. The bases are 5” x 5 1/2” x 25” to the top of the harp, not including the finial. Both have been re-wired, including new light bulb sockets and plugs. The shades that came with them were stained and soiled so will NOT be included--they were a white satin and measured 14" square at the base, flaring 12 inches tall to a 5 1/2" share opening at the top if you care to duplicate them. I see similar blanc de chine figures all the time. I have never seen a colorful pair like these with such intricate detail. less