Country Group: China, Japan and Korea

Item id: 8512

This is a very unusual Chinese 18/19th Cloisonne Quan-yin on the original or early stand. Most Chinese cloisonne figures you see are later in date, lighter in weight, and much less detailed in the parts that are cast in bronze. The colors in the cloisonne are also earlier, more muted than those seen on the late 19th/early 20th century examples usually seen in the marketplace, with some expectable minor losses to the cloisonne as seen in the photos. Cloisonne is very difficult to do and to remain in place over time on figures as they have so many sharp curves, so it is amazing that this piece is in such good condition given its age. There is also some splitting in the metal ribbons and significant loss and damage to the base. I was going to have a new base made, but the old one, even in its current state, adds a whole other dimension to the presentation. Expect that bits of the base may come loose in shipping and that the base works fine, but does have significant flaws to it. Measures 17 inches tall when assembled, and 9.5 inches tall at the widest part of the base. The face is beautiful, the hair-do is complex and captivating, and the overall piece is one that can easily become the centerpiece of any room.