Dimensions: 13-3/8" H

Extraordinary, Chinese Ming Dynasty Period, Yongle gilt bronze Bodhisattva figure of seated Avalokiteshvara Buddha. The serene face has well-defined, and naturally painted, arched brows above elongated, almond-shaped Athe eyes, very resplendent, smiling, peaceful and radiant. With hands at the heart in Manidhara gesture, hold a unseen precious jewel. The left robe and lower body is wrapped with a skirt. black hair flows across the shoulders. Adorned with a crown of gold studded with jewels, earrings, and bracelets, he wears garments of silk, a scarf and skirt. Seated in full crossed legs, vajra posture, with right over left, upon a double lotus throne. This sculpture appears to be the perfect example, by any artistic tradition, both for technical precision and exquisite form. Extensive trace of gilt remain on surface, with hints of dark-blue pigment on hair. The bronze is very fine, with a brilliant glaze finish that was applied by a meticulous, the shape is uniformly proportioned.
The underside with incised Quatre-foil flori-form petals visvavajra mark surrounded the centralized DaiJi.


LOT NOTES:

Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Kuan yin) is the most popular of all bodhisattvas, who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas, beloved for his infinite compassion. He is one of the more widely revered bodhisattvas in mainstream Mahayana Buddhism. In China and its sphere of cultural influence, Avalokiteshvara is often depicted in a female form known as Guan Yin. Avalokiteshvara is also referred to as Padmapani (Holder of the Lotus) or Lokeshvara (Lord of the World). In Tibetan, Avalokiteshvara is known as Chenrezig, and is said to be incarnated in the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa and other high Lamas. In Mongolia, he is called Megjid Janraisig, Xongsim Bodhisattva, or Niduber Ujegci. Avalokiteshvara, one of the most important bodhisattvas of the Mahayana. The literal meaning of Avalokitesh­vara is variously interpreted. One interpretation is the “Lord Who Looks Down,” in which the last component of the name is taken to be ishvara, “lord.” Another interpretation is “He Who Hears the Sounds of the World” or also the “Sound That Illumines the World,” in which svara, “sound” is regarded as the final component of the name. In any case, Avalo­kiteshvara embodies one of the two fundamen­tal aspects of Buddhahood, compassion (karuna), in virtue of which he is often given the epithet Mahakaruna, “Great Compassion.” The other fundamental aspect of Buddhahood is wisdom (prajna), which is embodied by the bodhisattva Manjushri. Avalokiteshvara is the power of the buddha Amitabha manifested as a bodhisattva and appears as his helper. His limitless compassion ex­presses itself in his wonderful ability to help all beings who turn to him at times of extreme dan­ger. In folk belief, Avalokiteshvara also protects from natural catastrophe and grants blessings to children.

Over all in EXCELLENT condition. With normal anomalies in nature, sign of stressed surface, minor scratch & dents. Surface traced wear and or declined to gilding. Normal, consider ages and wear.
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