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One Piece of Relief Sculpture, in white Marble. Sung. Chinese.

[[stamp]] SMITHSONIAN. [[/stamp]] 403 
Upon an oblong base decorated on three sides, Kwanyin sits on a throne before a shield which is decorated with a band of ornament near edge, and with a lotus-flower with a long stem in bold relief, at Kwanyin's right, 
Kwanyin wears an elaborate headdress, the streamers of which prominently carved on face of shield. She also wears large, circular  earrings. Her right is elevated; the back of same touches her bosom, palm outward, with the third finger resting upon a strand of her necklace which passes between her thumb and first finger and falls downward over her right palm. Her left hand rests in her lap. The full, rounded development of the figure suggests Indian origin of design. 
The back is roughly hewn. 
Traces of pinkish-red paint.
Without inscription. 
Height, 22 3/4".
With front of base, 14 ?/6" 

Purchased from Yamanaka &  Company, New York, Voucher #27 March, 1913, 350.00

NL 3133 or 3117. One Large Piece of Relief Sculpture, in White Marble. Tang. Chinese.

[[stamp]] SMITHSONIAN. [[/stamp]]
Tablet form.
The base is unusually large and oblong form. On the top of the base, two Goddesses, modeled in full relief, sit upon thrones, each resting one foot over the opposite knee and other foot upon a lotus-bud.
Behind and above these two Goddesses, a shield rises twenty-nine inches high. Its entire front surface is decorated with flying figures, a topee guarded by dragons and numerous other figures in various attitudes. Six of the flying figures cling to the bodies of the two dragons, while two other Angelic figures rest in seated positions upon lotus-buds with long stems which rise from curious bird and animal forms below.
In executing this elaborate design, the shield is pierced is pierced with openings cut entirely through the marble.
On the face of the base, toppe is supported by seated individual and is guarded by two lions. At each of the front corners a guardian stands. All of these details are chiseled in high relief. Above the back of each of the lions. a seated Buddha is seen within a small, recessed space. Designs of lotus-flowers are incised between each of the lions and the topee.
Traces of different colored paints appear. A large area of the shield was at one time decorated with tones of rich blue.
A lenghty inscription is incised on the back of the base.
Damaged.
Height, 37 1/2".
Width of shield, 22".
Width of base, 22". Height of the base, 9".

Purchased from Yamanaka & Company, New York,  Voucher #27 March, 1913,  300.00