A Chinese Marble Figure of Guanyin Seated on a Fu Lion

Height 18 x width 12 1/4 x depth 5 inches

Property from the Michael Hall Collection, Miami Beach, Florida

The subject is often identified as Guanyin, but it could also be her fellow Bodhisattva, Manjusri (a male Buddhist deity associated with transcendent wisdom), who is traditionally depicted on a lion.

Guanyin the Merciful, the protector of women and children, is perhaps the most popular of all deities represented in Chinese sculpture. From the Song dynasty (960–1279) onwards, the figure was displayed with predominantly female characteristics; her image derives from that of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteévara.

Note:

By all accounts, Michael Hall, actor, collector and art dealer, was a memorable character who led a truly remarkable life. Michael delighted in being outrageous - frequently the life of the party, always with an entertaining repertory of anecdotes and jokes. Michael was also a very serious collector with an inquisitive nature, extremely passionate and opinionated concerning his chosen field of Renaissance and Baroque Works of Art, and was always willing to share his vast knowledge.

Michael was mentored by Wilhelm Valentiner, a specialist in Italian Renaissance Art and then a consultant to what would become the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Through Valentiner, Hall was introduced to Sir John Pope-Hennessy and Sir Kenneth Clark, and formed friendships with a number of authorities including Rudolf Wittkower, H.W. Janson and Francis Watson.

In 1963, Hall moved to New York, and with William Mills, opened a gallery at 6 East 79th Street. His clients grew to include among others, Charles and Jayne Wrightsman, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Art, Boston, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Detroit Institute of Art.

In later years, Michael and his husband, Thomas divided time between their Florida, New York and Connecticut residences, but never stopped enjoying and collecting decorative arts. Those who knew Michael would agree his passion for collecting knew no bounds.