In Chinese Buddhism, Guan Yin (Kuan-Yin or Quan Yin) is usually depicted in a white flowing robe and usually wears royal necklaces. Kuan Yin, originally known as Avalokiteswara ('the Lord who regards'), is a highly revered manifestation of the Buddha who appears in Chinese scriptures around 400 a.d. Guan Yin means 'one who hears the cries of the world' and personifies the compassion of the Buddha for the needy. She is the embodiment of the yin principle. She is usually represented as a young female deity but she has the power to assume whatever form necessary in order to carry out her vow which is to appear in any way necessary to lead beings out of suffering. In her hand is a water jar containing pure water. This beautiful ceramic statue measures 14 inches high and 4 inches wide. Hand-crafted, minor defects and variations may be present and add to the artistic character of each piece.