Expert’s note: The present bronze is exceptionally rare for its three metallic surfaces, revealed under the wear from its devotional career: an outer layer of gold, over a layer of silver, over a rich copper base that fluctuates between deep chocolate brown and pinkish flashpoints, where the surface has been most rubbed and reactive to hand oils. It is a triumph of metal finishing in Tibet. As each sculpture produces merit for the patron, the greater the expense of adorning it with precious metals, the greater the yield.

Central Tibet. Cast as the four-armed manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base with beaded rims, the primary arms in anjali mudra at the chest, the other arms raised in vitarka mudra, the body richly adorned in beaded jewelry, a sash covering the shoulders, the squared face with heavy-lidded eyes below near horizontal brows centered by a spiral urn. The head surmounted by a foliate tiara with the pendulous ears suspending circular earrings.

Provenance: The Moke Mokotoff Collection, New York, by repute acquired in the 1990s. Bonhams Hong Kong, 3 October 2017, lot 24, presented across four dedicated catalogue pages, with an estimate of HKD 350,000 -450,000 or approx. EUR 45,000 – EUR 60,000 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). John ‘Moke’ Mokotoff (1950-2022) was a devoted Buddhist practitioner, passionate collector, and esteemed dealer of Asian art. After studying expressive art and photography in school, he moved to New York, where he began to deal in the nascent market for Chinese, Indian, and Himalayan art. In 1980, Moke opened his first gallery, Mokotoff Asian Arts, and actively sold important works to some of the most prominent collections in New York and globally, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Rubin Museum of Art. Revered for his knowledge of Chinese and Indian textiles, Moke was also a compassionate teacher and lifelong patron of Buddhist monasteries and nunneries.
Condition: Very good condition with old wear, few nicks, light scratches, and casting flaws. The base possibly resealed.

Weight: 1,3 kg
Dimensions: Height 18.4 cm

This bronze bears the hallmarks of a recently identified master sculptor, Sonam Gyaltsen, such as the squared face with horizontal eyebrows and spiral urna, the distinct shape of the lotus petals on the base, the slender physiognomy, and the sash covering his shoulders. Sonam Gyaltsen lived during the first half of the 15th century in Shigatse, South-central Tibet, where he was patronized in 1430 by the Sakya school and the Rinpungpa dynasty centered in Shigatse.

Avalokiteshvara Shadakshari in this form personifies the ubiquitous Tibetan Buddhist mantra 'om mani padme hum', thought to contain the essence of the Bodhisattva, the Lord of Compassion. Here, he is modeled with a sweet face informed by Chinese imperial bronzes of the 15th century. He is peaceful, contemplative, and otherworldly as he looks beyond his primary hands in a gesture of entreaty and salutation. His coppery hair descends in long tresses over a mantle on which rest pendant necklaces in the round.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 6 October 2023, lot 4
Price: HKD 512,000 or approx. EUR 60,000 converted at the time of writing
Description: A gilt copper alloy figure of prajnaparamita, Tibet, 15th/16th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling with similar petals to the base, face, and earrings. Note the lack of silvering over the gilt, and the related size (20 cm).