Carved in a soft, Ming style, the guanyin holding a scroll in one hand and her waist tassels in the other, the drapes of her gown flowing to the floor, her hair curled in a top knot all suffused in a warm brown stain. 17th C. 9 in.
Provenance: New York collection
The softness of the carving of Ming dynasty ivories can readily be seen in this offering. In its quality and patina, it is one of the nicest ivories we have ever offered. Compare a Ming Dynasty guanyin holding a scroll in one hand and her tassels in another with the same hair knot, gown and patina, Sotheby's London, June 6, 2001, lot 95 as well as lot 209. Also compare the gown, tassels and folds on an ivory figure of an immortal, 17th C, Sotheby's New York, March 31, 2005, lot 189; the hair knot on a standing figure of a guanyin with child, Ming, Christies London, June 12, 1989, lot 50; the overall appearance, robes, tassels and patina of a figure of a dignitary, Ming, Sotheby's New York, May 31, 1994, lot 158.
Fine, Ming carved ivory remains one of the few types of Chinese art that can still be found in the market at reasonable values. It is unlikely to remain so due to growing demands from Mainland Chinese. Serious collectors should view with interest all vetted quality pieces.
