A RARE AND EXTREMELY FINE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AVALOKITESHVARA ERASED MARK OF YONGLE AND OF THE PERIOD

finely cast seated in lalitasana with the right leg drawn up and the left leg folded in front, with the right arm resting on the raised knee and the left elegantly resting on the rear of the double lotus pedestal base, wearing a loose skirt spread over the base and leaving the torso bare but for the scarf draped arms entwined with long multi-stemmed lotus flanking the shoulders and an elaborate jewelled pectoral, the broad face with almond-shaped eyes beneath high arched brows and a bud-like mouth, framed by ornate wheel-shaped earrings and the hair drawn up into a high chignon behind the five-tiered crown

The finely cast bronze is in very good condition with the exception of loss of the lotus flower heads on the left and right arm; light rubbing to the gilding, predominantly at the middle of the figures back, knees and right hand; and scratching to erase the mark at the front edge of the pedestal base.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This very fine sculpture of Avalokitesvara embodies the sophisticated nuances of expression in the Buddhist imagery created in the workshops of the Yongle emperor. The figure radiates compassion with his downward gaze and gentle smile - the essential quality of the bodhisattva. Avalokitesvara, known as the 'infinitely compassionate being' and 'protector of the world' is the subject of the twenty-four chapter of the Lotus Sutra, in which he attempts to save all beings from the suffering of the world.   

The present figure is impeccably made and displays a particular finesse and mastery of detail. For an example of a Yongle figure of Avalokitesvara see one recorded by von Schroeder in his survey of the holdings of Tibetan monastery collections illustrated in von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, pp. 1270-1, pl. 353D.