18th-19th century AD. A gilt bronze statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, standing on a lotus flower base and having seven arms; the front two in the gesture of blessing, top right hand holding a rosary, middle right holding a bow, lower right a vase; the upper left holding a lotus flower, middle left object missing, lower left a ewer; a long garment is knotted at the waist and falls to the feet; sash around shoulders which falls to feet and billows up; two necklaces on bare chest and each arm has a bracelet and armlet; the long ears have flower shaped earrings and the head has a crown with central Buddha image; the hair is pulled up at the top and falls slightly back in an elongated knot; behind is a halo with flames and a band with figures of the Buddha and lotus flowers, in the centre is a large flower; at the back of the lotus flower stand is a Chinese makers mark. 25 kg, 104cm (41"). Private collection, North London; acquired in the early 1980s. The name Avalokiteshvara means the Lord who Looks Down and he is a bodhisattva of the Buddha's compassion. He is widely revered in China, Tibet and Japan and often assumes both male and female form. He possibly has origins in Hinduism as many of his attributes are similar to those of Shiva and Krishna and it is possible that he is an amalgamation of the two under a Buddhist guise.

Fine condition.