Avalokiteshvara Copper Alloy Khmer, Angkor Period

The bodhisattva is identified by the tiny Amitabha Buddha seated in his high mitred headdress, standing in samapada, four-armed holding attributes of (clockwise from lower right) a lotus bud, a water pot, a book and a rosary, wearing a short pleated sampot, tucked around the belt, the end forming a 'fishtail' at the hem, the striated belt decorated with pendants. The figure is adorned with jewellery including a large semi-circular diadem, a necklace with a central lotus motif, armbands, bracelets, anklets and earrings in the form of lotus buds.

Good overall condition. A green patina on the bronze with areas of brown especially on the left leg and the upper left hand. A small hole in the bronze at the back of the neck, probably a kiln fault, with a hairline crack extending from it to half way down the back. The base plate on which the figure stands is unevenly broken around the edges and has some soil encrustation. No restoration.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The rigid frontal pose is characteristic of the Angkor Wat period and, in contrast to the preceding Baphuon style with its delicate curves, sculptures display an authoritarian nature not seen since the Bakheng period, possibly reflecting political developments at the time. The eyes are prominently outlined, the corners extending towards the temples, a feature found extensively in both stone and bronze sculpture of this period, see Museum Rietberg exhibition catalogue Angkor, Zurich, 2007, p. 150, fig. 64, however the slightly curved continuous brow is a feature of Khmer sculpture from the 10^th century. Avalokiteshvara is the personification of compassion and the figure has a lively facial expression with alert eyes and a pleasant smile, bestowing benevolence on the devotee.