A GILT-LACQUERED ZITAN FIGURE OF AVALOKITESHVARATIBET, 12TH – 13TH CENTURY |

superbly carved in the form of Avalokiteshvara standing atop a circular double-lotus base, the expression of the bodhisattva rendered serene with a downcast gaze flanked by a pair of pendulous earlobes adorned with ornamental earrings, all below a a high crown partially concealing a high top-knot, the left elbow depicted gently bent with the hand held in vitarka mudra, the right hand lowered and held in varada mudra, further portrayed adorned in elaborate jewellery, including armbands, necklaces and anklets, and clad in a dhoti cascading in layers with a sash loosely falling around the thighs, the garment meticulously detailed in gilt-lacquer with floral and shou motifs, the base with traces of a visvajra

The sculpture itself is in overall good condition, with minor bruising and general surface wear. As visible in the catalogue photos, there is rubbing to the gilded decoration, especially the visvajra motif on the underside.
"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 finely carved figure of Avalokiteshvara is an early and well preserved copy of one of the most revered sculptures in Tibetan Buddhism, the Phagpa Lokesvara, traditionally believed to have been created in the 7th century, and located in the Phagpa Lhakhang of the Potala Palace, Lhasa. It is most closely related to another larger zitan figure of Avalokiteshvara in the Potala Palace, with the same iconography and style of carving, and similarly decorated with gilt-lacquered floral motifs on the robe, illustrated in  Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, vol. II, pp. 824-5, pl. 196C.