A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF PADMAPANI


TIBET, CIRCA 14TH CENTURY With inset turquoise, coral, and lapis.Himalayan Art Resources item no.61952 9 1/4 in. (23.4 cm) high
|西藏 約十四世紀 銅鎏金蓮華手觀音像 In this refined gilded sculpture, the seated Bodhisattva is benevolent and elegant. Seated in the lalitasana posture, which adds a sense of regal ease, the Bodhisattva puts his right hand in varada mudra, and his left hand is in vitarka mudra. Beautiful lotus blossoms symbolize any being's potential to rise from 'murky waters' to realize their innate Buddhahood. The Bodhisattva wears a diaphanous dhoti with fine patterns, exemplifying the pursuit for rich and elaborate surfaces in Tibetan sculpture. The simple treatment of the crown decorated with turquoise and the lotus flowers by his shoulders indicate a 14th century date for the bronze. Compare with von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Sculpture, Hong Kong, 1981, p.430, no.113C, and Bonhams, New York, 13 March 2017, lot 3077. The crown's distinctive design is consistent with another Padmapani sold at Bonhams, London, 12 November 2015, lot 79. Also see a related gilt bronze formerly of the Pan-Asian Collection sold at Christie's, New York, 21 September 2007, lot 191, and a Manjushri sold at Bonhams, New York, 19 March 2018, lot 3018.