Describes the study of 10 so-called <i>guanyin</i> bronze figures which date to the 12th century and come from an area which is now in Yunnan Province, China. The figures, whose composition was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy, are all composed of arsenical copper. Lead isotope ratio analysis was also performed. The method of construction of the figures, studied, in part, using x-radiography, is also discussed. The essay is one of a group which make up a catalog of an exhibition of the art of the Dali and Nanzhao Kingdoms of ancient Yunnan.