Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Ming Dynasty. Reddish-orange sandstone head of a female Guanyin with an elaborate layered coiffure which is swept back over the head, deeply incised, closed eyes, squashed ears and small, flattened nose. This piece was probably originally part of a larger statue or statuette. In Chinese mythology, the Guanyin is all-seeing, all-hearing goddess who acts as the patron deity of mercy and is the very embodiment of compassion. She is probably originally linked to the Hindu god Avalokite?vara at the time when Buddhism became popular in China, and the original Hindu myth mixed with local Chinese folklore. As a result, a Guanyin can also be depicted as male, though female representations are more common. Excellent condition; on a custom-made stand. Size: L:300mm / W:220mm (w/o stand); 19.8kg. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.