Two Buddhist Saints
The saints’ expressions and style of dress are characteristic of Buddhist figures. Although probably carved in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), each figure is inscribed with a poem from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The practice of resurrecting old styles in art objects and poetry is not uncommon in the Chinese culture. However this makes dating the carvings difficult. The interpretation of a Chinese carving derives solely from its symbolism. A wealth of symbolism is seen in the Two Buddhist Saints. The saint holding a bird by the tail is Guanyin. Fingering a rosary, she stands next to birds in a peach tree. The poem inscribed on her back translates:
The goddess Guanyin manifests herself to animals
and even myself, who share a common world;
The flat peaches of myth all share the same sweetness;
The spirits and condors share in the defense of the Buddhist faith;
The leaders of all sects have a common crossing in the barge of mercy;
These together form the proof of the promised joys of life-after-death.

These fine jadeite carvings were donated by the
Rice Foundation in memory of Ada and Daniel F. Rice.