CENTRAL TIBET, TSANG ATELIER, 16TH CENTURY

Shadakshari Lokeshvara, an emanation of the bodhisattva of Compassion, is the physical embodiment of the ubiquitous mantra om mani padme hum. The square face, ornamentation, proportions, and style of tightly-rendered lotus-petals with bead-like tips is one that is often attributed to an atelier in South-central Tibet (Tsang Province). A bronze figure of Vajradhara likely from the same atelier, can be found at the Rubin Museum of Art (acc. no. C2005.37.1). The figures are the same size, both made from the same alloy and have a similar patina.

Himalayan Art Resources (himalayanart.org), item no. 24471.