A gilt bronze figure of an eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara

MONGOLIA, ZANABAZAR STYLE, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

Details

A gilt bronze figure of an eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara
Mongolia, Zanabazar style, 17th/18th century
Standing with the two principle hands in anjalimudra in front of the chest and holding various implements in the six radiating hands, dressed in an ankle-length dhoti with hems incised with a floral pattern, adorned with jewelry festoons and a sash draped over the shoulders, the eleven faces arranged in tiers, the verso with a sealed consecration chamber
15 3/8 in. (39 cm.) high

Provenance

Private Collection, Belgium, acquired 1970s-80s
Collection of Sandor P. Fuss, Colorado, 2010-11

Literature

D. Dinwiddie (ed.), Treasures from Mongolia - Buddhist Sculpture from the school of Zanabazar, London, 2005, cat. no. 9

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Lot Essay

In Buddhist philosophy, the bodhisattva is a being who postpones his or her own liberation for the sake of ushering others along the path to enlightenment. Here, the universal compassion of a Buddhist deity and the regal status of a prince are united in the figure of the bodhisattva. Combining spiritual wisdom and worldly authority, the figure of Avalokiteshvara can be likened to Zanabazar himself.

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