A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF PARNASHAVARI CHINA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

portrayed kneeling on one knee, with three heads and six hands, two of them holding a vajra and lasso, clad in a leaf skirt, adorned with jewelry and scarves, the three faces bearing an intense expression with curled lips, a fifteen-pointed tiara holding back the flaming hair which parts to reveal a vajra, the faces and hands applied with cold gilt (2)

Four of the hands are missing attributes. the pigment on the hair is worn at the tips and back and appears to have been touched up. Most of the inlay is missing. There is some surface wear and a small patch of minor encrustation on the back of the leaf skirt. The base plate is missing. Overall the figure is in good condition.
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.

One of the distinguishing features of Parnashavari is her leaf skirt. The other is her three faces, which are supposed to have an irritated but smiling expression. In her six hands she holds a vajra, club, arrow, lasso, lotus and bow. Like Kurukulla, she is believed to have been a local tribal goddess absorbed into Buddhism and is invoked to prevent disease and fight epidemics.

Himalayan Art Resources item no. 12860.