This impressive image depicts Avalokiteshvara, the deity who possesses a compassion capable of saving beings from all negative things. We might compare it to that of the same deity made in Western Tibet in the 10-11th century and found in the Cleveland Museum of Art. That image is depicted in the book Collecting Paradise: Buddhist Art of Kashmir And Its Legacies, by Rob Linrothe as Figure 2.31.
I suggest that the present image is from much the same period and appears stylistically to have emanated from a workshop at some distance from those of Kashmir which were seminal as creating the basis for a 'Tibetan' style. It is possible that the image originates from Western Tibet where Kashmiri masters are known to have passed on their skills to local artists up to the mid-12th century.
Avalokiteshvara is shown holding a lotus stem (demonstrating his compassionate nature) in his left hand and showing the gesture of bestowing generosity with his right hand. Although the present image appears to be more rigid in his leg stance than the abovementioned image and has a deeper golden hue, he comes from more or less the same period as the example cited above. In several small aspects the present is presented less as a deity and far more as a human. This is suggested by the roll of fat around his belly and his far more 'realistic' face.
The present image relies less on its adornments such as jewelled necklaces, detailed silk lower garments etc. to create a powerful impression and the precedent for this modest adornment may be seen in many of the clay figures dating from the same period as the present piece. These may be noted in the abovementioned book.
The image is highly impressive as much for its size (about 66 cm) as for its antiquity and its deep red copper hue lends it a sense of humanity not always found in gilded or overly decorated pieces. (Dr. David Templeman, Monash University)
十四至十五世紀 西藏銅鎏金觀音菩薩立像
此尊造像氣勢恢宏，表現大慈大悲、普濟眾生的觀世音菩薩（Avalokiteśvara）。觀音菩薩被視為慈悲的化身，能救度眾生脫離種種苦難與障礙。其造型風格可與美國克里夫蘭藝術博物館（Cleveland Museum of Art）收藏的一尊十至十一世紀西藏西部觀音像相比較，該例著錄於 Rob Linrothe 所著《Collecting Paradise: Buddhist Art of Kashmir and Its Legacies》一書，圖2.31。
筆者認為，本像的年代應與上述作品相近，其藝術風格顯示其應出自一處距離克什米爾藝術中心較遠的作坊。克什米爾地區的佛教造像傳統對早期西藏藝術發展具有奠基性的影響，並逐漸形成獨具特色的「藏式」造像風格。本像極有可能產自西藏西部地區；歷史記載顯示，來自克什米爾的工匠大師曾於十二世紀中葉以前持續在當地傳授技藝，對區域佛教藝術的發展產生深遠影響。
造像中的觀音菩薩左手執蓮花莖，象徵其清淨慈悲的本質；右手下垂施與願印，寓意布施、慈悲與滿足眾生所願。相較於前述克里夫蘭藝術博物館藏例，本像雙腿姿態略顯端直，鎏金色澤亦更為深厚。然而，從整體造型語言及藝術風格判斷，兩者應屬大致相近的時期作品。
尤為值得注意的是，本像在若干細節上減弱了神祇超凡脫俗的表現，而更強調自然寫實的人物特徵。例如腹部略見自然起伏的脂肪層，以及面部更具真實感的人物刻畫，都賦予造像一種鮮明的人性化特質，使觀者更容易感受到觀音菩薩慈悲親近的精神內涵。
與許多著重珠寶瓔珞、華麗裙褶及繁複裝飾的佛像相比，本像較少依賴外在裝飾來營造神聖感。其項飾、衣紋及佩飾均處理得相對簡潔含蓄，而這種樸素典雅的審美取向，可見於同時期多件泥塑佛教造像之中，相關例證亦收錄於前述《Collecting Paradise: Buddhist Art of Kashmir and Its Legacies》。
本像不僅以其約六十六公分的宏大體量令人矚目，更因其悠久年代而彌足珍貴。銅質表面呈現深沉溫潤的紅銅色澤，賦予造像一種質樸而富有人文氣息的美感，此種特質在通體厚鎏金或裝飾繁縟的佛教造像中並不多見。整體而言，本像兼具克什米爾藝術傳統與早期藏地造像風格的特色，展現出十四至十五世紀喜馬拉雅地區佛教藝術成熟而獨特的藝術成就。——墨爾本蒙納士大學 戴維‧坦普曼（David Templeman）教授
66cm high
Estimate $15,000 - $25,000
The figure is lacking its original base and mandorla. There is wear to the gilding overall, consistent with age, handling, and devotional use. Otherwise, the figure is in overall 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.
An important private collection of Himalayan Art, NSW.
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
SIMILAR ITEMS
Lot 14
A VERY RARE PAIR OF CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE AND GRISAILLE-DECORATED 'LANDSCAPE' STOOLS, YONGZHENG PERIOD (1723 - 1735)
Estimate: $100,000-200,000
Lot 112
A CHINESE HIGH-FIRED WHITE-GLAZED CUP, SUI DYNASTY (581-618)
Estimate: $50,000-80,000
Lot 134
AN EXTREMELY RARE CHINESE HUSHAN WARE OVOID PHOSPHATIC EWER, TANG DYNASTY, 8TH/9TH CENTURY
Estimate: $50,000-70,000
Lot 178
A CHINESE ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL VESSEL, ZUN, LATE SHANG/EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 12TH-10TH CENTURY BCE
Estimate: $50,000-70,000