AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE LATE 7TH/ EARLY 8TH CENTURY AVALOKITESHVARA | Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

a large and unprecedented repoussé gold figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara depicted in rigid frontal posture, arms bent, both hands in katakamudra (holding gesture) once holding attributes, the palms marked of the Dharmacakra (Wheel of Law).  Wearing a double necklace (hara) made of two rows of curved beads symmetrically arranged around a central pendant, a waistband (udarabanda) with similar beads on both sides of a threefold medallion, and high armlets (keyura) composed of a foliated triangular plaque attached to a thin and undecorated metal band.  Exceptionally tall and sophisticated jatamukuta (headdress) with long matted hair arranged on both sides of the face in seven vertical hair locks cascading to the shoulders and crowned by a cylindrical protuberance meant to receive a now missing decorative element, most likely a precious stone.  The upper head cavity containing a foundation offering comprised of two gold scrolls, a ruby, and bits of gold and silver.  The headdress supporting an intriguing image of the Buddha Amitabha shown seated on a large double lotus pedestal, hands appearing to form a peculiar mundra in lieu of the expected dhyanmudra and head topped by a most curious feature resembling a hood or a massive headdress of long thick hair falling down the shoulders. The throne-like lotus pedestal with a small central pattern possibly depicting a triratna symbol (three jewels) or a fully blossomed lotus.  The facial features with rounded oval face, joined sinuous eyebrows, slanted well lidded eyes, well proportioned fine nose, and small thick lips.  Portrayed with the beauty of youth, a gentle smile contrasting with curved eyebrows and intense spiritual gazing eyes, this very powerful figure likely represents the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in his aspect of Jatamakuta-Lokesvara the "Lord of the World". The antecedents of this exceptional sculpture can be traced to Southern India's Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu while comparable towering jatamukuta can be found in contemporaneous images from Srivijaya, particularly in Chaiya of peninsular Thailand. Its gold repoussé technique of fabrication as well as its facial features are specifically Cham and not without recalling Cham gold Shiva heads or kosas of the same period now in Western museums and private collections. No similar gold figure appears to have ever been recovered.  For references see:  Boisselier, Jean, "La statuaire du Champa", Paris, 1963; Baptiste, Pierre, Zéphir, Terry et al, "Trésors d'art du Vietnam, la sculpture du Champa, Ve-XVe siècles", Guimet Musuem, Paris, 2005; Chutiwongs, Nandana, "The Iconography of Avalokiteshvara in Mainland Southeast Asia", New Delhi, 2002; Chutiwongs, Nandana & Patry Leidy, Denise, "Buddha of the Future", The Asia Society, New York, 1994; Guy, John, "South Indian Buddhism and its Southeast Asian Legacy", in "Cultural Interface of India with Asia, Religion, Art and Architechture", New Delhi, 2004

Ha Thuc Can Collection, Singapore, acquired prior to the early 1970s

This object is in stable condition but is fragile and needs to be handled with care. The surface is a bit uneven as viewed. This is to be expected since the sculpture's core is now missing. The elongated fingers are very delicate and some are bent inwards. Repair to joins at both elbows and upper left arm as viewed. Losses to gold sheet at the back and repairs to the back and hair. (Please contact the sale administrator for an image of the back of the sculpture). The piled up hairdo at the top of the head encloses a hollow cavity which would have been surmounted by a gem, now missing. There is a calcified scroll inside the cavity. A full metallurgical examination report by Dr. Pieter Meyers consistent with proposed dating is available with the sale administrator. The sculpture is accompanied by a custom built case in which it may be transported.
"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."