Antique Chinese Peking Glass Figure of Qwan Yin Goddess of Mercy French Blue with Cross

Molded in the 19th century, well over 100 years ago, in a gorgeous shade of beautiful (sometimes referred to as) 'French' opaque blue, it is good to keep in mind that French glassmakers had great influence over the art glass made in China during the 18th and 19th centuries. Also, it was the Chinese glassmaker's desire to choose colors that resembled gemstones such as turquoise, amber, or jade for example. This magnificent piece most definitely resembles turquoise.

A very distinctive and unique feature of this particular figure is that around the neck is what appears to be rosary beads or a necklace of pearls with a cross pendant. Bearing in mind that it was Christian missionaries who brought European glass-making techniques to China, they had a major influence within this art and this piece reflects their presence. We have not found another Qwan Yin anywhere bearing this feature. Photo #6 shows the necklace.

She is in superb (excellent) condition with absolutely no chips or cracks. Any color variations and straw marks (shallow lines) are intrinsic to the glassmaking process. Also there is no white in this figure. All white areas are glare spots.

She stands on a perfectly fitted stand probably 'of the period' of when the figurine was manufactured.

Measuring 10 1/4" tall plus an additional 1 1/2" for the stand she is most impressive. She is very serene in expression and quite wonderful to the touch. Beautiful, simple details - wonderful rope belt with detailed tassels dangling all the way down the front of her robe. Without the stand, she weighs 3.6 pounds. Look very closely and you will see a necklace that looks like pearls with a cross around her neck!

This piece is for the sophisticated peking glass collector. Such a person can appreciate her beauty, her age, and her place in the history of Chinese Art Glass and can also appreciate her monetary value. A true investment piece (currently worth approx. $8500.00). In fact, this exact mold is depicted in the book, Treasures of Chinese Glass Work Shops (1997, pg 75-76) in different colors.

The book also states the following references of it appearing in the 1987 book, 'Chinese Glass of the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911: The Robert H. Clague Collection' (Exhibition Catalog, Phoenix Art Museum, pg. 48) and one in the Collection of the British Museum, London illustrated in Harold Newman, An Illustrated Dictionary of Glass, London, 1977, page 175.

Additionally, the same figure, in green, is depicted in Miller's Antiques 2006 edition.

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Item ID: twt2872