Calcite marble, remains of paintChinaDimensions: Height 101 cm by 28 cm by 18 cmWeight: 80.8 kilograms eachA set of standing figures of Shoulao, the Daoist God of longevity, and of Guanyin, the Goddess of mercy. The figures are carved out of green marble. Parts of the surfaces are even and smooth while other parts are rough and show remains of red coating. The incised decorations also have traces of red paint. The sculptures are about the same size. Shoulao is represented as a smiling old man with a very big forehead and a long beard. The deity is carrying a peach of immortality and a long staff. The upper end of the staff is carved in the form of a dragon head and a double gourd. Shoulao is standing on a pedestal decorated with an incised ‘shou’ character for longevity. He is wearing a double layer robe, shoes with turned-up toecaps and a very small piece of headcloth hanging on the back of his bald head. Guanyin is standing barefoot on a double lotus throne. The deity, bearing a serene facial expression, is dressed in a long robe with a low neckline and a short mantle. A scarf covers head and shoulders. Guanyin is wearing a headdress and a necklace. The right hand is in vitarka mudra, or gesture of discussion, and the left hand is holding a bottle vase. Although the shapes of the hands and feet are large and inelegant, Guanyin can be recognized as female deity. She is the equivalent of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, though in China Guanyin is also worped by Daoists. Guanyin is believed to lead the mortal people to the Pure Land, which is the spiritual goal in Buddhism as well as in Daoism. In Chinese art, the pairing of Shoulao and Guanyin started when the cult of Guanyin reached its zenith in late imperial China.Purchased: 8th December 1996 from Nemco International Jewelers, NY , USA value 125.000 USAUCTION DATE:Saturday 23rd April 202211:00 - 13:00Preview:15. April - 17. April 2022 from 09:00 - 17:00AUCTION LOCATIONThe SpaceVorm Eichholz 2f42119 WuppertalGermanyEXHIBITED ONLY:Family Collection HofDelsbergerallee 654053 BaselSwitzerlandSPECIAL NOTESAll Lots are in Basel , and will be ped from there.All items must be paid to Hardt Auctions GmbHThe ment has to be arranged by the buyer.Hardt Auctions can not be held resposible for Export documents or local laws forCH-4132 Muttenz+41 61 467 95 00E-Mail:Kraft E.L.S. AGFlorenz-Strasse 5CH-4142 Münchenstein+41 61 337 92 30E-Mail: info@kraft-els.chFILE ACCESSFor Pictures ,Movies and Provenances please visit:Liveauctioneers51bidlivedrouot-digitalepailivethe-saleroomlot-tissimo