Enthroned, Holding the Pearl

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This wood-toned figure sits in state beneath a high crown, a round pearl cradled in both hands. The long beard falls over his chest and his gaze is level and calm above a throne chair with dragon-head armrests; his hands rest together in his lap, presenting the pearl. The wide robe is finely worked, the panel between his knees carved with rows of trigram-like motifs and a small dragon coiling on each knee. Behind him a round halo is ringed with dragons and jewel motifs, a canopy opens at the top and phoenixes spread their wings at the sides, while the throne stands on a stepped base wrapped in floral scrolls. In front, on its own cloud-carved round stand, stands a small monk holding a staff — seated and standing, great and small, a complete set in warm yellow wood, made to be enshrined together or to hold the principal place in a hall.