A large gilt-bronze figure of seated Avalokiteshvara, Late Ming dynasty

Acquired in Hong Kong, circa 2000.

This magnificent large gilt-bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara is superbly cast, notable for the softly rendered facial features and elegant drapery that hints at the body underneath. The bodhisattva holds a cup containing water or ambrosia in one hand and a willow branch or lotus stem in the other, representing healing and purity respectively. 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.

Another slightly smaller late Ming dynasty gilt-bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara, sharing similar treatment of the soft facial features, elaborate jewelry and robes, illustrated in Jintongfo zaoxiang tulu/Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Taipei, 1993, pl. 43.was sold in these rooms, 10th September 2019, lot 314.