Mid-20th century Chinese carved Bodhisattva or Guanyin head. With a wooden plinth for display. This lot can be seen in the background of an image of Malcolm Lein in an article written about him on November 23, 1983.

Provenance: From the collection of Malcolm E. Lein, former director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art.

Malcolm Emil Lein (1913-2003) was the director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art during its early and formative years. During his 30-year tenure, he fought to procure the museum funding, grow its permanent collection, and establish it as St. Paul's premiere gallery. Along with his wife Miriam, who worked at the Walker Art Center, he was a fixture in the Twin Cities artistic community throughout his life.
Head, without stand; Height: 22 in x width: 7 in x depth: 10 in.

There are natural lines throughout. Some light scratches and light wear throughout the surface. Roughness to the neck. There are three small chips: one along the ear, one along the forehead, and one along the back of the head. There is a 2 inch long repair to right side of the headdress. There is a metal pole inserted into the bottom of the head so that it can be displayed. Wear to the wooden display plinth. There are scratches and a large gouge where the head rests against the wood; only noticeable when the head is pivoted or removed. Two of the side panels of the plinth are coming disattached.