Lot 5
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A gilt copper multi-headed depiction of Avalokiteshvara (Lokishvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in the form of the "Eleven-Headed, One-Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara," also known a Ekadasamukha, with ascending faces, comprised of 3 triads facing in all directions topped by 2 single heads - the upper most head is the Buddha, and below is a skull wearing wrathful deity. The underside of the hollow statue is capped by a copper plate, perhaps to seal inside paper prayers or offerings. The heads may symbolize both the 10 stages (bhumis) of the bodhisattva's path and then the 11th as Buddhahood. Another interpretation is that that heads represent the 11 types of ignorance (avidya) that afflict sentient beings, which the bodhisattva overcomes. The front 2 hands are held together in the prayer position of the Anjali mudra, and the lower hands hold attributes. Size: 4.25" L x 2.5" W x 10.75" H (10.8 cm x 6.4 cm x 27.3 cm)
How did the Lokishvara (Avalokiteshvara) obtain her 1000 arms? According to Buddhist teachings, this bodhisattva who personifies Compassion and aspires to free all sentient beings of suffering before they achieve enlightenment and enter Buddhahood, once passionately declared that "should he ever become disheartened in saving sentient beings may his body shatter into a thousand pieces." One fateful day he noticed an overwhelming number of beings residing in the depths of hell and became disheartened. As mandated by his vow, his body shattered. However, he begged the Buddhas for help and Amitabha who became his Guru came to his aid. Due to the Buddha's miraculous powers, Avalokiteshvara transformed into a new being with one thousand helping hands of compassion with the eyes of wisdom in each palm. This enabled him to renew his purpose and help all sentient beings rather than a select few.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection
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#184704
- Condition: Chips and abrasions to the surface. Casting imperfections and some fading to gilt. Intact and excellent.
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