A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF ELEVEN-HEADED AVALOKITESHVARA 17TH CENTURY

cast seated in dhyanasana with twenty-four arms and eleven heads arranged in four tiers and surmounted with Amitabha, the principle hands in anjalimudra, another two pairs held in dhyanamudra and abhayamudra, the others fanned out each bearing an attribute, the last pair supporting the figure of Amitabha, the face of a serene expression with subtly outlined eyes cast downward and a smiling bud mouth, the figure adorned with elaborate jewellery and wearing a dhoti and a long shawl covering the shoulders with sash-ends flowing down the sides

There is loss to the head of the surmounted Amitabha, and minor loss to the tips of the tiaras. There are areas of rubbing to the gilding particularly to the hands, arms, face, chest, abdomen and back. There are various nicks and scratches throughout, consistent with age. There are traces of red pigments to the crown, and gold paint to the right side of the back and to the 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."

The bodhisatva Avalokitesvara with eleven heads is known as Samantamukha, the All-Pitying One, who looks in every direction to save all creatures. The legend explains that the heads were created as a result of Avalokiteshvara's attempt to save culprits from hell. When he realised that for every soul saved another wicked soul took its place, his head out of grief split into many pieces. These Amitabha turned into heads, whose additional eyes and brains would assist him in his efforts to save mankind.

For a very similar figure, see one sold in our Paris rooms, 23rd June 2016, lot 34.