Ekadashamukha Avalokiteshvara, 19th century · Tibet / China · ID: 3053704
Starting price
EUR 3,500
Estimated price
EUR 5,000
Provenance
Hippoliet & Line Verbeemen, Bonheiden, BelgiumChristie’s, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 April 1999, lot 102
Size
H: 26,5 cm
H: 10.4 inch
Description
fire-gilt bronze, turquoise and coral beads, resealed
The eleven-headed and eight-armed “Avalokiteshvara”, stands in “samabhanga”, an upright and balanced posture, on a separately cast lotus base.
His principal hands are joined before his chest in “anjalimudra”, the gesture of reverence, while the remaining six arms extend to the sides. Above the nine peaceful faces, arranged in three tiers, appears the wrathful face of a Heruka. The figure is crowned by “Amitabha”, the Buddha of Infinite Light and “Avalokiteshvara’s” spiritual teacher.
The many heads symbolize his ability to perceive the suffering of beings in all directions, while his numerous arms embody the active power of his all-encompassing compassion.