A RARE STONE FIGURE OF BIXIA YUANJUN CHINA, MING DYNASTY

carved seated with hands held resting on the lap and hidden by the sleeves of the inner robe, the outer robe decorated with ruyi-lappets and fringed edges, hair pulled back from the solemn face and dressed with an elaborate phoenix headdress, traces of pigment

Warren E. Cox Collection, New York (according to label).
Collection of J.W. Alsdorf, Chicago.
Kenny & Higgins Asian Art, Washington, DC, circa 1984.

Kitty Higgins and David Kenny, Chinese Stone Sculpture, Washington, DC, 1984, cat. no. 25.

The name Bixia Yuanjun means Sovereign of the Dawn Clouds. She is identified by her phoenix headdress and is believed to be the daughter of the god of Mount Tai, considered the holiest of China's five holy mountains. Mount Tai is associated with sunrise, birth, and renewal, and as a result Bixia Yuanjun is venerated as goddess of childbirth and protector of women and children. Her most important temple is located near the peak of the mountain. First built in 1009, it gained prominence during the Ming dynasty due to imperial patronage.