PROVENANCE: From Pineville-Charlotte, North Carolina, private collector, by inheritance. Purchased from OLIVOTTI BRO'S, 1191 Broadway, New York, N Y. and/or, of 145 Tremont ST. Boston, MA. During 1916-1924. Dimensions: Height: 19 3/4" Width: 13 3/4" Stand Height: 2" Width: 15 7/8" Depth: 6" LARGE Chinese Tibetan Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Gilt Bronze and stones inlaid Buddha Deity figure of Vaishravana, the Son of Namto, Guardian of the Northern Direction, King of the Yakshas and Leader of the Worldly Dharma Protectors.In the appearance of a warrior god, he has a round full face with eyebrows, moustache and a beard. Three Naturally painted large round eyes. He is richly garbed in the raiment of a king, opulent with silk brocades in elaborate designs, crown of gold and jewels in the robe, pendulous earlobes. Extensive trace of gilt and red pigments on hair. This sculpture appears to be the perfect example, by any artistic tradition, both for technical precision and exquisite form. Surface wear to gilding and light tarnish covers the surface while still giving off a soft glow as the light hits the exterior. The reverse side of Buddha shows a rectangular cut-out, a precisely fitting bronze comes with the sculpture. All sets upon a prominent solid acrylic pedestal base. Bronze is in beautiful condition with minimal marring of the surface. LOT NOTES: Vaishravana, leader of the yaksha race, is a worldly guardian worshipped as both a protector and benefactor (wealth deity). He lives on the north side of the lower slopes of mount Meru in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings. As the leader of the Four Direction Guardians, he like the others, swore an oath of protection before the buddha Shakyamuni. The stories and iconography of the Four Guardian Kings arise originally with the early Buddhist sutras and become fully developed in the later Mahayana sutras. "With vajra armor, a garland of jewel ornaments and the beautiful heavenly banner - fluttering, illuminated in the middle of a hundred thousand Wealth Bestowers; homage to Vaishravana, chief among the protectors of the Teaching." (Nyingma liturgical verse).