.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This bronze figure of Avalokitesvara is exceptional for the crisp and fluid casting and the realistic pose of the deity. The fine casting gives the garment material an appearance of fine gossamer quality. This is obviously seen in the depiction of the shawl which wraps around the arms and the crisply defined folds of the dhoti. The textile borders are also well rendered with finely chased varigated floral pattern comprising chrysanthemum.
A closely related figure in terms of style and decoration is that of a lacquer-gilt bronze figure of Samantabhadra which was offered in our Hong Kong Rooms, 1 May 2000, lot 755. Compare also a parcel-gilt bronze figure of Manjusri dating of the 15th/16th century, sold in our Hong Kong Rooms, 26/27 April 1998, lot 612.
The reverse of the robe falling down in front of the present figure is inscribed with a later documentary inscription which may be translated as: "In the sixty year of Kangxi (1721) this Wu Liang Shou (Buddha Amithada) was given to the scholar Chen Ban Yan". Documentary figures are rare to find. The quality of this superbly cast figure points to a special commission.
A closely related figure in terms of style and decoration is that of a lacquer-gilt bronze figure of Samantabhadra which was offered in our Hong Kong Rooms, 1 May 2000, lot 755. Compare also a parcel-gilt bronze figure of Manjusri dating of the 15th/16th century, sold in our Hong Kong Rooms, 26/27 April 1998, lot 612.
The reverse of the robe falling down in front of the present figure is inscribed with a later documentary inscription which may be translated as: "In the sixty year of Kangxi (1721) this Wu Liang Shou (Buddha Amithada) was given to the scholar Chen Ban Yan". Documentary figures are rare to find. The quality of this superbly cast figure points to a special commission.