A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF SHADAKSHARI AVALOKITESHVARA, ZANABAZAR SCHOOL

A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF SHADAKSHARI AVALOKITESHVARA, ZANABAZAR SCHOOL Mongolia, 18th-19th century. Heavily cast, seated in dhyanasana on a lotus-style base finely layered and incised, holding his principle hands in anjali mudra and his secondary hands holding mala prayer beads and a lotus blossom. Wearing a diaphanous dhoti with exquisitely carved folds gathered at the feet and fastened at the waist by a beaded belt, adorned in elaborate jewelry. His serene face with almond-shape eyes, slender lips forming a calm smile, sinuous brows flanking a central urna, his neatly arranged hair tied into a high chignons with a jewel top and secured by a five-panel tiara. Provenance: Hungarian private collection. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, casting flaws, minuscule nicks, the base resealed, and the gilding renewed. Weight: 899.2 g Dimensions: Height 14.4 cm Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara is the four-armed manifestation of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara. This manifestation incorporates his role as the lord of the six realms of existence: hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, demigods, and gods. He personifies the well-known Sanskrit invocation om mani padme hum, or "hail to the jewel in the lotus," which is why he holds a lotus in his left hand. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Paris, 23 June 2016, lot 154 Price: EUR 68,750 or approx. EUR 80,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt copper alloy figure of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, Mongolia, 18th-19th century Expert remark: Compare the closely related style with a bright gilding. Note the different style of the base. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s Paris, 22 June 2016, lot 86 Price: EUR 337,500 or approx. EUR 396,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare gilt-bronze figure of Amitayus, Mongolia, Zanabazar school, 17th-18th century Expert remark: Compare the related style and base. Note the different subject. Note the slightly larger size (17.7 cm).