Does anyone here have any information or a resource that I can use to identify these 2 buddhas? They came to me as an inheritance and, unfortunately, I did not get the chance to know the story behind them. Any information would be appreciated.
@Any Jewelry - @Kim Cosby - Welcome to the forum!! The above member should be able to help you out but right now she is likely fast asleep. She'll check in tomorrow sometime. If you could add a photo of the bottom of the pink one it might help her with the material.
Rock crystal hardstone carvings probably Chinese made. edit: yes I think @Hollyblue has the rock names right
@Kim Cosby, quick question.....the bottom of the pink one looks a bit blurry.....is that a mark or tag/label on the bottom?? IF so, do you think you could RE-post a clearer image for @Any Jewelry to check out tomorrow???? Thanks!!
Welcome Kim. They are Chinese, rose quartz and smoky quartz, as identified before. Neither are Buddhas though, they are both Guanyins. Guanyin is a merging of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha aspect of mercy, and a pre-Buddhist Chinese Goddess. Guanyin is often thought of as female, but is actually male, and in some cases androgynous. The smoky quartz head has a small image of the Buddha Amithaba on the head, it is the Buddha aspect of infinite light. Guanyin usually has the Amithaba image in 'her' crown, a reference of both noble origins and enlightenment. Dating Chinese quartz carvings of this type is notoriously difficult. The 'doll-like' style of the smoky quartz head makes me suspect it isn't very old. If you want to get an age estimate it is best to take them to an expert who can see and feel them in person. Clear close ups of the carved lines could help to see how they were carved, ruling out recent techniques. Does the rose quartz one have damaged toes?
Thank you so very much for all of the information on the Guanyin! I will add clearer pictures of the smoky quartz to this post. The rose Quartz has a tiny chip on the second toe from the left. I have added one additional photo of a purple item that I also know nothing about. These came from my grandmother and I suspect the smoky Quartz Guanyin belonged to her mom who was born in the late 1800’s. I am just trying to piece together some information so I can share the history with my family. Thank you!!
Thanks. No sign of recent 'power tools', so not made in the last few decades. I didn't expect there to be, but it doesn't say much more about the age. That is a beauty. It is amethyst, and also Chinese. Another quartz, so again, difficult to say anything about the age without being able to hold it. Most people start to buy things considerable time after they are born. Let's say she bought it in the 1920s-40s time bracket, that still doesn't tell us if it was new or old at the time. My guess is new, I certainly don't think it was antique. Anyway, when Covid permits, take them to someone knowledgeable. Will you let us know what they say?
