清康熙 銅鎏金四臂觀音坐像

the figure seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base, the principle hands in namaskaramudra, the secondary hands holding a flower and a bhodi bead, wearing a patterned shawl, flowing dhoti and a billowing scarf around his shoulders and arms falling to the base, the face with a peaceful, downcast expression framed by a pair of large studded circular earrings and a five-pointed diadem securing the hair swept in a top knot surmounted by the head of Amitabha, the bare torso adorned with inlaid beaded jewellery 

There is loss to the tip of one finger, and losses to the inlays. There is a minor chip to the edge of the base and a dent to one arm. There is the expected surface wear and loss to the gilding consistent with age and use.
"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."

Shadakshari-Lokeshvara is the four-armed manifestation of the great bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and is often regarded as the patron deity of Tibet: the Dalai Lamas are deemed to be earthly incarnations of the bodhisattva. This form of Avalokiteshvara is popular with the Gelukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism that was favoured by the Qing court. The deity’s principal hands are held before the heart in the anjalimudra of respectful salutation, with the two outer hands holding the bhodi bead from a rosary representing enlightenment, and the lotus flower of purity. Amitabha emerges from the hair as a symbol of Avalokiteshvara’s spiritual lineage and the wisdom of all Buddhas. Shadakshari-Lokeshvara wears the flayed skin of a mythological deer (krishnasara) draped over the left shoulder as a symbol of benevolence (maitri): the hind legs of the deer can be seen emerging from beneath the shawl covering the shoulders at the back of the bodhisattva. The worship of Shadakshari-Lokeshvara dates back to at least the eleventh century in eastern India: an eleventh century Pala period (ca 750-ca 1200) brass statue of the deity is now in the Jokhang monastery collection, Lhasa, see Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, Vol. I, p. 272, pl. 88A

This rare early Qing period statue of Shadakshari-Lokeshvara bears close resemblance to a Kangxi gilt copper alloy figure of Amitayus in the Qing Court Collection, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Buddhist Statues of Tibet, Hong Kong, 2003, p. 238, cat. no. 227: cf. the scarf ends emerging from beneath the legs and hanging over the front of the lotus base, the large drop-shaped jewel settings in the crown and the jewel settings in the ends of the crown ties so typical of Kangxi works, the engraved textile pattern of the robe hems, the downcast eyes and meditative countenance, and the long straight hair tresses on the shoulders.