Guanyin Figurine Value Guide

Period
1950s-1970s
Origin
Japan
Materials
Porcelain

This mid-century porcelain figurine depicts Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, standing gracefully as a symbol of peace and mercy. Produced in Japan between the 1950s and 1970s, these statues became popular global household icons for those seeking spiritual protection and decorative elegance.

What affects the value of Guanyin Figurine?

  • Overall condition, specifically looking for chips on delicate fingers or the crown.
  • The presence of original gold gilt accents or intricate polychrome enameling.
  • Market demand for mid-century Japanese export porcelain within the $25 to $40 price bracket.
  • Height and scale of the figurine, with larger examples typically fetching the higher end of the value range.

How to Identify Guanyin Figurine?

  • Look for 'Made in Japan' or 'Occupied Japan' stamps on the underside of the porcelain base.
  • Examine the glaze for the characteristic high-gloss finish typical of mid-20th-century Japanese export ceramics.
  • Identify the specific iconography of the Bodhisattva, often shown with flowing robes and a serene facial expression.
  • Check for hand-painted details on the face or floral motifs which distinguish them from mass-produced modern replicas.

History of Guanyin Figurine

Guanyin, also known as Quan Yin, is a revered figure in East Asian Buddhism, celebrated as the Bodhisattva associated with compassion. Often depicted as female in China, her origins trace back to Avalokiteshvara in India. Figurines like this one became popular in homes as symbols of peace, mercy, and protection.

Related items

Have one in hand?

Snap it. Relic tells you what it is and what it's likely worth.

Scan yours with Relic →