A superbly cast gilt-bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara Ming Dynasty, 16th century

finely cast seated with legs crossed and soles of the feet facing upwards in dhyanasana, with hands joined in uttarabodhimudra, wearing a long flowing robe with delicately incised hems falling in folds onto the base, the finely cast features of the face depicting a calm expression framed by long-lobed ears laden with heavy earrings, below the tightly curled hair encircled by a five-pointed crown, each point enclosing one of the Five Transcendental Buddhas, the ribbon from the crown trailing down both shoulders, all supported on a separate lotiform base, richly gilded overall

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 1^st November 1994, lot 320.

The figure is in very good overall condition with the exception of loss to one jewel on the tip of the left side ribbon, loss to the top of the same ribbon by the head, and a crack through the ribbon by the bottom of the ear; and light rubbing to the gilding in particular to the tops of the feet, the hands and chest.
"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."

The present figure is an outstanding example of Bodhisattva images cast during the middle Ming dynasty. The exquisite detailing of the incised robes and intricate casting of the crown provide evidence of the importance placed on this piece by its benefactor, as well as revealing the proficiency of bronze craftsmen with their medium. Compare closely related figures, but with slight variations in the crown and supported on a raised lotus pedestal, such as one sold twice in these rooms, 30^th October 1991, lot 321, and again, 25^th April 2004, lot 333; and another sold in our New York rooms, 26^th March 1996, lot 7.

The design of the large blossoms extending from a slender lotus scroll that embellishes the edges of the robes of this figure is reminiscent of the blue and white porcelain decoration from the Hongwu, Yongle and Xuande reigns of the Ming dynasty, indicating the popularity of this motif at the time. While the bronze craftsmen may have been inspired be contemporary porcelain designs when conceiving the decorations of the robe, it is more likely that they were emulating the designs of popular silk or damask patterns frequently found on Ming textiles. For example, see a yellow-ground silk with a design of red lotus scrolls illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Textiles and Embroideries of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2005, pls 103, 104 and 133.

The form of Buddhism that became popular in China centred on the worship of bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who postpone their own escape from worldly existence in order to help others attain Enlightenment. Thus unlike Buddha figures, who wear simpler robes and short curls of hair, bodhisattvas are depicted in princely attire and decorated with elaborate clothing, jewellery and headpieces as seen in the present sculpture.