Bronze Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, China/Mongolia,
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Description
China/Mongolia, 17th century or earlier
Massive Bronze figure of a standing eleven-headed and eight-armed Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara on a wood base, the hands performing mudras (anjalimudra) and holding attributes which are now lost, dressed in a double-layered robe adorned with coral inlays and a looped belt, serene facial expression with indicated smile
With a wooden base (later)
Height of the figure: c. 26.5 cm
Provenance: Japanese private collection
Condition:
The bronze shows signs of age and use. Surfaces rubbed in places and missing coral inlays. The lotus pedestal, the upper part of the head pyramid and two arms are now missing. Verso dents and minimal loss of material. The height measures c. 26.5 cm
Avalokiteshvara
In Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is known as the Bodhisattva of compassion. Literally translated his name means ‘The Lord looking at the world with compassion’. Already at a young age Avalokiteshvara had resolved to support all living creatures and to help them to salvation. He swore an oath never to ease his efforts otherwise he should shatter into a thousand pieces. According to legend he thus wandered the world. As he paused to look at his work, he noticed that the suffering of the people had not diminished. This moment let him doubt, so that he broke into a thousand pieces. Immediately countless Buddhas came to him to put him together again. But this time they gave him a thousand arms and eleven heads, so that he could better fulfill his vow. (lvp)
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