A LARGE BRONZE SEATED FIGURE OF AVALOKITESVARA

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A LARGE BRONZE SEATED FIGURE OF AVALOKITESVARA
SECOND HALF OF THE 15TH CENTURY

The deity finely cast seated in vajrasana on a triangular double-lotus base, the left palm turned outwards in a gesture of reassurance, abhaya mudra and the right hand in varada mudra, entwined from each hand a long lotus-spray stem issuing lotus flower and buds at the shoulder, on one side supporting a kundika flask and the other a kalavinka bird, the soft facial features with eyes downcast in meditation, framed by an elaborate headdress of double-crown accommodating the Amitabha at the centre, wearing pendant earrings above a necklace suspending beaded chaines, the dhoti held at the waist by a belt decorated with pendent tassels, the material of the clothing incised along the edges with floral-scrolls for detail
20 1/2 in. (52 cm.) high

Lot Essay

A very similar smaller example (37.4cm.) is in the Chang Foundation, illustrated in Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, 1993, p. 78, no. 32. Another example seated in rajalilasana, also from the Chang Foundation, illustrated op. cit., p. 80, no. 33, where the author mentioned the kalavinka as identified to a particular spieces of birds from the Himalayan region with beautiful singing voices. It is thought that the kalavinka's voice is allegorical to the spread of Buddhist teaching and be received with as much joy by mankind.

(US$40,000-50,000)

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