South Asia, Nepal, ca. 1880 CE. A standing bronze Lokishvara (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, of a remarkably elaborate composition in the form of the "Thousand Armed Bodhisattva," with five ascending ensembles of faces, three triads topped by a pair, making a total of eleven. The front eight hands holding attributes of this Bodhisattva, while the other hands are in the form of a a spiraling arms mandorla. The figure stands upon a half lotus throne, which in turn sits into a lower bronze tiered and tongued base. The patina is a rich medium brown with only minor natural oxidation. Brilliant blue paint remains on the top of each crowned head and the very top of Buddha, with vibrant orange paint on the large top head. A magnificent example of this wondrous personification of compassion! Size: 13" x 5" x 3-1/2" (33 x 12.7 x 8.9 cm)

How did the Lokishvara (Avalokitesvara) obtain her 1000 arms? According to Buddhist teachings, this bodhisattva who personifies Compassion and aspires to free all sentient beings of suffering before they achieve enlightenment and enter Buddhahood, once passionately declared that "should he ever become disheartened in saving sentient beings may his body shatter into a thousand pieces." One fateful day he noticed an overwhelming number of beings residing in the depths of hell and became disheartened. As mandated by his vow, his body shattered. However, he begged the Buddhas for help and Amitabha who became his Guru came to his aid. Due to the Buddha's miraculous powers, Avalokitesvara transformed into a new being with one thousand helping hands of compassion with the eyes of wisdom in each palm. This enabled him to renew his purpose and help all sentient beings rather than a select few.

Provenance: Ex-Private Northern Colorado collection, acquired at Sotheby's New York, 2003.

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#110400

The piece consists of two parts and is in overall excellent condition.