Figurine: Kannon (Guanyin, Kuanyin, Avalokiteshvara)

"A finely detailed Japanese hardwood carving of Kannon holding a lotus, her face serene, her robes flowing, late Meiji period, 17”high, signed Mitsuo. Kannon is the Japanese name for the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Perhaps the most famous of all Buddhist Bodhisattva is Kannon (Guanyin in Chinese). The name means “lord who looks on”. In Japan, Kannon is depicted as a feminine deity. When shown with a lotus, the depiction represents purity, and as such is known as Padmapani. It is unusual to find Kannon holding a lotus. The lotus is looked upon as a symbol of Buddha (Buddhist purity). The Buddha is often seen, in various art forms, seated upon a lotus. It is said that the lotus grows from the mud at the bottom of the pond and emerges as a beautiful flower. The Buddha walked through the world and remained holy and pure. This is the reason that Buddhist deities are depicted and associated with the lotus." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 8/31/2005