This elegant and balanced image shows a form of the deity of Compassion - Avalokiteshvara. Its style suggests that the image was made in Tibet by Nepalese (Newar) artisans at some time in the 15th century. The Newar aesthetic approach became one of the most popular in Tibet and this is a superb example of the creative brilliance of the Newar bronze caster.
Tradition says that there are 108 forms of Avalokiteshvara with each one possessing a specific spiritual function. The present image shows the deity holding the attributes associated with him. His lower left hand holds a fully flowered lotus of purity and his raised left hand holds a conch shell representing the pure sound of the Teachings. The white lotus represents stainless purity and the white conch represents the absolute sound of the Buddhist teachings. He holds his right lower hand in a variation of the gesture of open-handed generosity and his raised right hand holds the rosary of 108 beads made from pure white conch-shell.
Worship of Avalokiteshvara, whose essence is said to be the heart of each member of the lineage of Dalai Lamas, is the most popular worship of all deities in Tibet and has been so since the 9th -10th centuries. The 108 forms he is said to adopt reflect the types of compassionate activity he is capable of extending. (Dr David Templeman, Monash University)
It's with a fitted wooden stand.
十五世紀 西藏銅鎏金四臂觀音坐像
此尊四臂觀音像造型優雅端莊，比例均衡和諧，表現佛教慈悲化身觀世音菩薩（Avalokiteśvara）的莊嚴形象。從其藝術風格觀察，應為十五世紀期間由尼泊爾紐瓦爾（Newar）工匠於西藏製作。紐瓦爾藝術傳統憑藉精湛的鑄造技藝與優雅細膩的造型語言，對西藏佛教藝術產生深遠影響，並成為最受推崇的藝術風格之一。本像正是紐瓦爾金銅造像藝術卓越成就的典範之作。
佛教傳統認為，觀世音菩薩具有一百零八種化現，每一種皆承擔不同的濟世救度功能，以回應眾生的各種需求。本像所持法器皆為觀音菩薩的重要象徵物。其左下手持盛開蓮花，象徵清淨無染；左上手執法螺，象徵佛法廣傳、法音遠播。白蓮花代表究竟清淨與圓滿智慧，而白色法螺則象徵佛陀教法的清淨妙音。
右下手施與願印之變相，掌心向外，寓意慈悲施予與利益眾生；右上手持一串由白色法螺製成的一百零八顆念珠，象徵修持佛法、積聚功德以及度化眾生的廣大願行。各種法器與手印共同彰顯觀音菩薩大慈大悲、普度群生的精神內涵。
在藏傳佛教信仰中，觀世音菩薩的崇拜具有極其重要的地位。自九至十世紀以來，其信仰已成為西藏最為普及且深遠的宗教傳統之一。歷代達賴喇嘛皆被視為觀世音菩薩在人間的化身，其慈悲本質據稱延續於達賴喇嘛傳承之中。觀世音所示現的一百零八種化身，象徵其能以無量方便善巧，隨機應化，廣施慈悲，救度一切眾生。
本像工藝精湛，鑄造細膩，體現十五世紀西藏融合尼泊爾紐瓦爾藝術傳統的成熟風格，不僅具有高度的宗教意涵，亦充分展現當時喜馬拉雅地區金銅造像藝術的卓越水準。——墨爾本蒙納士大學 戴維‧坦普曼（David Templeman）教授
19cm high
Estimate $6,000 - $8,000
The original lotus base, and base plaque are missing, there is a short old crack to the base of the figure, which is consistent with age and use, otherwise, overall in good condition.
The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
Important Chinese & Asian Art
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8825
11:00am - 25 October 2026
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Thurs 22 - Sat 24 October, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn VIC
CONTACT
Luke Guan
luke.guan@leonardjoel.com.au
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