- 205
A Parcel Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Avalokiteshvara Padmapani
Description
- Avalokiteshvara, likely Padmapani
- Gilt copper with semiprecious stone inlay
- Height 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm)
Provenance
Sotheby’s New York: March 27, 1991, lot 101
Condition
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.
Catalogue Note
The face is elegant with a serene expression. The curved lines of the eyebrows, the half-closed eyes with partially visible pupils centered by an urna and the small mouth lend a youthful aura to the figure. The three schematic lines on the neck symbolically imply the status of an enlightened being, used extensively in Buddhist art. The face and the Amitabha on top are gilded.
The elegant proportions of the body are accentuated with marked pectoral muscles, slender waist and a modeled torso. The creases near the bend of the elbow add a tactile fleshiness to the smooth copper. The bodhisattva is wearing a sheer dhoti with pleated folds falling between the legs, secured at the waist with a sash draped across the thighs and hanging at his side. It has etched patterns of a dotted circle and a lotus pattern flower. The ornaments are decorated with precious stones and glass inlay, also missing. He is wearing a long ratnopavita, necklaces, armbands, and bracelets with inlay details. The hand in varadamudra is engraved with a delicate diamond pattern on the palm. This indicated the four major hand lines: life, fate, head and heart.