A hand-carved pale celadon jade statuette of the goddess Guanyin. Guanyin is a Chinese goddess of mercy, compassion and love. Other names for the goddess include Kwan Yin and Kwannon, she is commonly referred to as the "Goddess of Mercy" or the "Bodhisattva of Compassion”.

Produced in China in the 19th century. The sculpture has a few small russet jade spots throughout. She is dressed in lively buoyant robes. The sculpture rests on a hand-carved, purpose-built wooden base. 

Jade carving is one of China’s oldest and most important art forms, designs were influenced by culture, philosophy, war, politics and aesthetic values. 

In earlier times carborundum sand and a soft tool were used to carve jade. In later periods sharper and more wear-resistant iron tools were introduced and carving machines evolved accordingly.