This moulded figure of Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy, is seen here supporting a child. The whole piece is evenly covered in a pure ivory glaze.The appeal of Dehua porcelain lies in the purity of the porcelain and elegant forms. This appeal has held since the mid-Ming dynasty when the refinement of the form and glaze led to the manufacture of lustrous white wares, later known in Europe as 'blanc de Chine' (white porcelain), and in China as pork-grease white (‘zhuyoubai’) or ivory white (‘xiangyabai’). In Europe, the distinctive qualities of blanc de Chine were appreciated as early as the 17th century when significant quantities were imported in the ships of the growing East India Company.Guanyin or Guanshiyin means "Observing the sounds or cries of the world". She is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who emerged as a popular female deity during the Song dynasty (960-1279). The presence of a baby on her lap signifies Guanyin's child-bestowing powers. She was worshipped in this form as 'Guanyin' or 'Giver of Children'.
