Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child
China, Dehua, 1690–1710
Porcelain
Asian Civilisations Museum, Gift of Agnes Tan Kim Lwi in memory Tun Tan Cheng Lock

Although made for Christian markets in Asia and the West, these Virgin and Child sculptures were inspired by figures of Guanyin, the Chinese deity based on the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. When depicted with a child, she was known as the “giver of children”, so it was natural for the potters of Dehua, in Fujian province, where these were made, to adapt their models for Christian purposes.

One of the figures of the Virgin wears a cross. The other sculpture shows the Christ Child holding a globe with a cross, symbolizing his status as saviour of the world.