Amoghapasha Lokeshvara Buddha statue, Nepal, Qing dynasty

Amoghapasha Lokeshvara Buddha statue, Nepal, Qing dynasty

Amoghapasha Lokeshvara Buddha in gilded bronze, standing with eight arms. His face shows a serene expression, with gently arched eyebrows over lowered eyes to portray a benign expression, with an aquiline nose and lips that draw a gentle smile.

The deity is shown adorned with a jewelled necklace of various gem-set gems, bracelets and large floral hoop earrings. The head is crowned with a tiara ornamented with a large floral motif on each panel, with lotus flowers and jewels, flanked by locks of hair falling over both shoulders. His eight arms radiate around him, his hands bearing attributes and ritual elements. He is dressed in a dhoti, with a sacred beaded thread; his belt and sash are decorated with jewels. One of his palms, the one closest to the body, is engraved with a diamond, the other holds a flower inside it. The base is solid and without an opening, which is normal for Nepalese Buddhas.

The Amoghapasha manifestation of Avalokiteshvara is a popular Buddhist deity in Nepal. The worship of this specific form of Avalokiteshvara seems to be particularly popular in Nepal. In the early 18th century, the Dzungar khanate occupied Tibet and an expeditionary force of the Qing dynasty attacked and conquered Tibet in 1720. It remained Qing territory until the fall of the dynasty. In 1959. For this reason it has to be dated within the Chinese Dynasties.  Qing Dynasty (1644 and 1912) 19th century. 

Height: 19 cm 

Weight: 766 gr (with box)

References:

- Christe's. Sacred and imperial: The James and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection part II (24, Sep 2020). Lot 944