Page 143 - Christie's Asian Art Auctions PARIS December 2019

The Amoghapasha manifestation of Avalokiteshvara
is a popular Buddhist deity in Nepal and known as
the ‘One with the Unfailing noose'. The cult of this
specifc form of Avalokiteshvara appears to have
been especially popular in Nepal. Further he is
considered to be one of the eight tutelary deities
of the Kathmandu Valley. Each pious Buddhist is
expected to perform the Ashtamivrata rite, devoted
to this eight-armed deity, on the eight day (ashtami)
of the lunar fortnight. It is customary for a patron
to commission on this specifc day a painting or
sculpture representing Amoghapasha. Rituals for
worshipping Amoghapasha brought rain, which is
important for an agricultural society like that of
the Valley. Images of Amoghapasha are frequently
represented in both sculpture and painting from the
ffteenth century onwards.
The earliest examples of Avalokiteshvara in his
two-armed aspect were made of stone and date
back to the sixth century, although for sure earlier
prototypes must have existed. Since then various
iconographic forms have been created for the
devotees until present day. Aesthetically, examples
made during the early Malla period belong to the
most refned ones with elegant, graceful and well-
proportioned bodies, delicate hands and fne facial
features.

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