Page 131 - 2019 September 11th Christie's New York Chiense Art Himalayan bronzes and art

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
366
A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF PADMAPANI
LOKESHVARA
NEPAL, 14TH CENTURY
8¿ in. (20.6 cm. high)

$8,000-12,000

PROVENANCE
Christie’s Amsterdam, 2 May 2007, lot 299.
The present lotus-bearing form of Avalokiteshvara,
known accordingly as Padmapani, is the most common
form found in the Nepalese context, in contrast to
the Indian tradition in which he is shown seated.
Avalokiteshvara has been widely worshipped in Nepal
from at least the mid-sixth century, and as such, this
form has been perfected. The fgure’s lithe form and
slightly-tilted head give a lifelike quality and grace to this
small bodhisattva.

The present sculpture is a small, simpler version of a
widely-appreciated form commissioned repeatedly in
a variety of large, impressive, heavily-inlaid and gilded
styles. Like those iconic examples, this small version
features an organically folded dhoti that hangs between
the thighs, and a sacred thread that falls atop them. While
lacking inlay, the artist’s approach to ornamentation
allows the viewer’s eye to imagine Padmapani adorned
with jewels, just as he is presented in the great, early
Malla-period masterpieces.
Himalayan Art Resources, item no. 24534.

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