Watch List notes:

QING: AE charm (32.99g), CCH-2507, 42mm x 60mm, Guanyin (Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin) pendant charm, Kuan-yin seated // plantain or banana leaves shown above and to the left of the lotus, VF. Guanyin, known as the male Avalokitesvara in India, is usually depicted as a female in China and is recognized by all Chinese for her compassion and kindness. Guanyin is a bodhisattva which means she has attained enlightenment, but has refrained from entering nirvana until all beings have also attained enlightenment. The plantain is not usually associated with Guanyin, but rather with Vanavasa. Vanavasa is believed to be one of the original disciples of Buddha and is included in the group known in China as the "Eighteen Lohans". A lohan or arhat is a Buddhist who has attained nirvana. Buddhist legend describes Vanavasa as having been born amidst the rustling sounds of plantain (banana) leaves on a rainy night. As a Buddhist monk, he also liked to preach under plantain trees. For these reasons, he is referred to as the "Plantain Lohan". So, while the Chinese have historically ascribed this charm to Guanyin, it may actually be a charm associated with Vanavasa, the "Plantain Lohan". This example was likely cast in the Qing Dynasty.

Estimate: 75-100 USD