Dehua kilns
Guanyin with a Fish Basket (Yulan Guanyin)
Early 20th century
Physical Qualities
Porcelain with transparent glaze, 11 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (29.2 x 14 x 10.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. W. Lehman Guyton, Cockeysville, Maryland
Object Number
2003.349
Yulan Guanyin rests one hand on books that signify the teachings of Buddhism. In her other hand, she holds an ingot, or bar of gold, extending an offer of spiritual and material wealth to all. This version of Guanyin is identified by the fish in the basket beside her. In one of her origin stories, Yulan Guanyin was an ugly, old fish-seller. Ignored because of her appearance, Yulan Guanyin transformed herself to attract followers, assuming the form, seen here, of a beautiful young woman.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2003; Dr. William L. Guyton, Cockeysville, Maryland
Collection installation, "Asia. Guanyin's Stories & Lineage," Levy Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art, October 5, 2023-
Inscribed: Back: above bottom edge, in red paint, "17.51.07"
On View: Levy Gallery 2, Case 04/A
