A LARGE GILT AND POLYCHROME ZITAN FIGURE OF PHAKPA LOKESHVARA TIBET, 12TH – 15TH CENTURY |

There are small chips and bruises to the edges and foot. Some losses to the gilt paint. Flaking throughout. Age cracks to the mandorla.
"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 is an unusually large early and well preserved copy of one of the most revered sculptures in Tibetan Buddhism, a sandalwood carving of the Phagpa Lokeshvara, traditionally believed to have been created in the 7th century, and located in the Phagpa Lhakhang of the Potala Palace, Lhasa. Several other smaller but closely related examples are illustrated by Ian Alsop in a study of the subject, 'Phagpa Lokesvara of the Potala', Orientations, 1990, including figs. 4 and 5, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Guimet Museum, and fig. 5, an example from the collection of Dr and Mrs Halpert sold in our New York rooms, 24th March 2004, lot 65.