16th Oct, 2025 11:00
TWO-DAY AUCTION: Fine Asian Art, Buddhism and Hinduism
34
A SILVER FIGURE OF AVALOKITESHVARA SAHASRABHUJA EKADASAMUKHA
Sold for €3,120
including Buyer's Premium
Tibet, 18th-19th century. Finely cast standing in regal poise upon a double-lotus dais set on a pierced stepped pedestal with stylized lion heads. The bodhisattva’s principal hands are joined in anjali mudra before the chest, while the remaining arms radiate symmetrically around the body, each grasping one of his traditional attributes. Flowing ribbons fall gracefully from the shoulders, he is clad in a long pleated dhoti, and richly adorned with beaded jewelry. His eleven serene heads are arranged in ascending tiers, each with downcast eyes and gentle smile, and surmounted by an elaborate foliate tiara.
The figure is framed by a separately cast lotus-petal mandorla rising to a pointed flame nimbus, inset by two loops at the back of the base, while the radiating arms are also cast independently and secured by a tang at the reverse.
The base is sealed with a silver plate finely engraved with a double vajra.
Provenance: An important private collection in southern Germany, assembled since 1956, and thence by descent. A copy of the previous owner's personal collection card for this piece, no. 91, with an old photograph of the present lot as well as a lengthy typewritten description and literature references confirming the dating above, accompanies this lot.
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear and casting irregularities, light tarnish, few small surface scratches, few tiny dents.
Weight: 394.4 g
Dimensions: Height 15.6 cm
In both Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, Avalokiteshvara appears in the form of Sahasrabhuja Ekadasamukha, the Thousand-armed and Eleven-headed Bodhisattva of Compassion. The eleven heads signify his ability to perceive the cries of beings across all realms, while the thousand arms express his limitless power to respond to suffering. Revered as a savior who aids devotees in dispelling delusion and escaping the cycle of rebirth, Avalokiteshvara is among the most venerated figures in Himalayan Buddhism. Cast silver images of this form are especially rare, owing to the scarcity of the metal in the region and its frequent use as currency, making such sculptures particularly precious.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s, New York, 20 September 2021, lot 352
Price: USD 13,860 or approx. EUR 13,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Silver Figure of Kurukulla, Tibet, 19th Century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, manner of casting, subject, and smaller size (11.1 cm).
Tibet, 18th-19th century. Finely cast standing in regal poise upon a double-lotus dais set on a pierced stepped pedestal with stylized lion heads. The bodhisattva’s principal hands are joined in anjali mudra before the chest, while the remaining arms radiate symmetrically around the body, each grasping one of his traditional attributes. Flowing ribbons fall gracefully from the shoulders, he is clad in a long pleated dhoti, and richly adorned with beaded jewelry. His eleven serene heads are arranged in ascending tiers, each with downcast eyes and gentle smile, and surmounted by an elaborate foliate tiara.
The figure is framed by a separately cast lotus-petal mandorla rising to a pointed flame nimbus, inset by two loops at the back of the base, while the radiating arms are also cast independently and secured by a tang at the reverse.
The base is sealed with a silver plate finely engraved with a double vajra.
Provenance: An important private collection in southern Germany, assembled since 1956, and thence by descent. A copy of the previous owner's personal collection card for this piece, no. 91, with an old photograph of the present lot as well as a lengthy typewritten description and literature references confirming the dating above, accompanies this lot.
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear and casting irregularities, light tarnish, few small surface scratches, few tiny dents.
Weight: 394.4 g
Dimensions: Height 15.6 cm
In both Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, Avalokiteshvara appears in the form of Sahasrabhuja Ekadasamukha, the Thousand-armed and Eleven-headed Bodhisattva of Compassion. The eleven heads signify his ability to perceive the cries of beings across all realms, while the thousand arms express his limitless power to respond to suffering. Revered as a savior who aids devotees in dispelling delusion and escaping the cycle of rebirth, Avalokiteshvara is among the most venerated figures in Himalayan Buddhism. Cast silver images of this form are especially rare, owing to the scarcity of the metal in the region and its frequent use as currency, making such sculptures particularly precious.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s, New York, 20 September 2021, lot 352
Price: USD 13,860 or approx. EUR 13,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Silver Figure of Kurukulla, Tibet, 19th Century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, manner of casting, subject, and smaller size (11.1 cm).
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