A gilt-bronze figure of 'Water-Moon' Avalokiteshvara and bronze stand, Ming dynasty, 16th century

Bay Area Private Collection.

The present figure of Avalokiteshvara is superbly cast, notable for the softly rendered facial features and elegant drapery that hints at the body underneath. The deity is cast here in a sinicized style, evident through the rounded fleshy face, feminine features, fuller figure, and cowl draped over the tall chignon. This form of representation developed in the mid to late Ming dynasty and continued into the early Qing, before gilt-bronzes generally adopted a more Tibeto-Chinese manner.

A closely related gilt-bronze 'Water Moon' Avalokiteshvara was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2011, lot 3046. See also a figure of Avalokiteshvara, similarly depicted with right leg raised, was sold in London rooms, 15th May 2007, lot 33, from the collection of Otto Rose. Dresden.