A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE DEPICTING MAHASIDDHA AVADHUTIPA Tibet, 16th Century

Wear to gilding and accretion overall, with areas of minor oxidation. Polychrome in hair and cold gilding on hair ornament. Some losses to original stone inlay. Scattered areas of minor pitting at chest and body. Base plate now missing.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Avadhutipa governed as the ruler of a provincial kingdom in northeastern India, likely in the 10th Century. He famously renounced his kingdom and converted to Buddhism under the guidance of the wandering Indian yogi and mahasiddha Damarupa, and was given the title of Avadhutipa, a term meaning mendicant or renunciate.

Compare with another 17th/18th Century gilt bronze sculpture of Avadhutipa in the Rubin Museum of Art (acc. no. C2005.8.2), see Linrothe, 2006, p. 343, cat. no. 71.   

Himalayan Art Resources item no. 12928