PROVENANCE: New York Private collector. Family inheritance, believed to be collections from The Art Gallery of Edward Greey in New York, 20 East 17th Street, New York, NY. Dimensions: 11-1/2" H Ming Dynasty Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze and semi-precious stones inlaid Bodhisattva figure of seated Avalokiteshvara Buddha, in manifestation of Ekadashamukha Mandala, the Circle of the Eleven Faced Lord Gazing on the World.All faces has well-defined, and naturally painted, arched brows above elongated, almond-shaped eyes, very resplendent, smiling, peaceful and radiant. With eight hands, the first pair at the heart in manidhara gesture, hold a unseen precious jewel. The three right hands extended to the side are in the mudra of generosity. Each face is adorned with a crown and earrings. Necklaces and bracelets adorn the neck and limbs and the lower body is wrapped with a skirt. The jewelry have semi-precious stone inlaid. With eleven faces rising upward in groups of three, the face at the top is that of the Buddha Amitabha. Each face has two eyes and long black hair flows across the shoulders. The multi leveled crown formed from nine heads, the wisdom of all Buddha's, is the Lord, source of all refuge gathered as one, in essence the Guru in the aspect of Amitabha, in the manner of the Lord of the Family. Standing on straight legs, upon a carved hardwood lotus throne.The gilt bronze Buddha rests atop a silk covered platform, with a glass cuboid case. Extensive trace of gilt remain on surface, with hints of dark-blue pigment on hair.