18th Century Large Qing Dynasty Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze Bodhisattva figure of Bhagavan Great Vairochana. With serene face, naturally painted gazing eyes and lips beneath the ornamental crown atop hair piled on the top of the head and some loosened on the shoulders. Both hands resting on lap with open palm upward, gesture of full meditation. Adorned with silks and jewels. The legs are crossed in vajrasana posture and he sits atop a double lotus throne above demountable lion supported platforms pedestal. Extensive trace of gilt on surfaces and blue pigments on hair. Both underside of Buddha and pedestal bear incised Quatre foil flori-form petal visvavajra mark surrounding the centralized DaiJi.

Measurements: Height 9.5" Width: 6.5"

PROVENANCE:
From The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither, US Navy 1959-1982. With a sense of duty for his country Mike joined the US Navy in 1959 the idea was to see the world and obtain an education that would propel his future. The opportunity to become part of the submarine fleet was compelling and once involved it became his career path of choice. In 1964 he married his lifelong partner Annie Nix. And to this day they are still happily married. While in the Navy he specialized in communication and electronic repair and was able to obtain the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer during his time in the service he supervised crews of up to 25 in high speed communications, repair and records and Department Chief coordinating 8 repair divisions. Analyzing commands to discover systemic difficulties and training to resolve difficulties. Additional fields include intercultural and race relations, Drug and Alcohol training. With a long career in the Navy his desire to visit many foreign countries was fulfilled. His desire to be a leader in the open markets directed his path into the pastoral leadership where he was able to train and work with people in Italy Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, Republic of Palau, with visits to such countries Germany, and Asian Countries. With the opportunity to be in such places also provided the knowledge and ability to obtain collectables from the area. Reaching a point where one feels that it is time to downsize and realign their assets this has opened the door for others to add these items into their private collection. The quality is exceptional, pristine and highly sought after.