A LARGE GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF BHAISAJYARAJA AVALOKITESHVARA MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

cast seated in vajraparyankasana with the left hand resting on the lap, the right hand raised to the chest in vitarkamudra, dressed in a long flowing robe tied at the waist with a ribbon and hemmed with a band of small seated buddhas, further embellished with beaded jewellery around the chest, the face with a benevolent expression with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, the hair gathered into a high chignon save for two long plaits falling off the shoulders, crowned with an elaborate headdress in openwork centred by Amitabha Buddha

Sotheby's London, 17th December 1996, lot 179.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is extensive flaking to the surface. There are also bruises and minor losses to the fragile extremities, especially the hems of the robes and tips of the crown. Other general surface wear.
"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."

Impressive for its large size and crisp casting, seen in the rendering of the draping robes and jewellery, this figure depicts the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in sinicised form and with slightly feminine features. While it follows the stylistic trend of the mid-to late-Ming period, this figure’s slightly elongated torso and slim face are unusual. Compare a much smaller figure of the bodhisattva with a fuller face, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Classics of the Forbidden City. Guanyin in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2012, pl. 33. 

As the most popular deity in Chinese Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara took many different manifestations. Although now lacking its attributes, the present piece probably depicts the manifestation Bhaisajyaraja Avalokiteshvara, also known as the 'Willow leaf' Guanyin. In this form the bodhisattva would hold a bowl of elixir in the left hand and a stalk of willow leaves in the right. The first is believed to cure all physical and spiritual illness, while the latter has evil-dispelling properties.