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Lot Essay
This form of Avalokiteshvara, known in English as “Savior of the World”, was particularly popular during the early Pala period in Northeastern India. He is one of three principal deities of Mahayana Buddhism, along with Shakyamuni, who represents the present, and Maitreya, the future Buddha. Lokanatha displays some distinctly Shaivite features, namely a high chignon of coiled locks and a sensuous, supple body. By the eleventh century, however, one can clearly see the fusion of Brahmanical and Buddhist iconography that appears in this region--particularly the shakta influence of jata in Buddhist images. Here, an effigy of Amitabha sitting at the base of the jata identifies him as unequivocally Buddhist.
Centuries of adulation reveal a rich coppery patina highlighted by remnants of the original gilding. Fine details such as the lotus buds at his shoulders and traces of a stippled flower motif on the dhoti suggest that despite its miniature size, this sculpture was created by a highly accomplished artist. For comparison, see a twelfth century bronze figure of Maitreya in the Nyingjei Lam collection (HAR item no. 68420).
Centuries of adulation reveal a rich coppery patina highlighted by remnants of the original gilding. Fine details such as the lotus buds at his shoulders and traces of a stippled flower motif on the dhoti suggest that despite its miniature size, this sculpture was created by a highly accomplished artist. For comparison, see a twelfth century bronze figure of Maitreya in the Nyingjei Lam collection (HAR item no. 68420).