Is your piece the goddess of mercy, Quan Yin (also spelled Kwan Yin, Kuanyin, Guanyin) ?
"The emphasis on Guanyin cannot be too great when we realise that, even today, nine blanc de Chine figures out of every ten represent that goddess in one or other of her manifestations."
http://www.holymtn.com/gods/BlancdeChine.htmApparently blanc de Chine refers specifically to production at Dehua, of whatever period or exact colour, however the colour has been mainly if not exclusively (shades of) white since the end of the Song dynasty and the coming of the Mongols. It would have been named as such loooooong after that.
As to colours the same site says:
"White porcelain always has enjoyed favor among the Chinese. Some writers have attributed this to its resemblance to white jade. However, if there is to be a resemblance to other material, that material is surely ivory."
"Chemical analysis of Dehua ceramics reveals that all bodies of Dehua porcelain are very dense, and the density and the whiteness are comparable with modern white porcelains. "
"There can be infinite gradations in the shades of white, and two pieces of blanc de Chine placed side by side are rarely the same color. "
The shades of white include:
ivory-white - brownish tinge (best quality)
goose-down white - yellow tinge
creamy white
bluish white
pinkish, shrimp-like translucent white
green tinged white
One of the reasons which lead me to believe that my piece may be blanc de Chine is that, of non-devotional production, a major sector of domestic demand has been scholars. Mentioned in this category, in several places have been brush pots and "appurtenances" for writing and painting.
It's quite understandable if items in this category were not made to quite the high standards of devotional figurals but I was impressed with the very fine depiction of the right hand. Hands are always very difficult in art of any kind.
It was bought very cheaply so I would not be disappointed it it does not have great value but I like it and find it interesting. I'd still like to find out more about it.
More pics on the next bright day, whenever that may be.
Pete
