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Antique Nepalese Brass Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue, Early 20th Century, Himalayan Sino-Tibetan Buddhist Art.
Dimension: 6 x 4 x 2.5 inches (15.25 x 10 x 6.35cm)
This elaborate devotional statue was crafted by Newar artisans in Kathmandu Valley using traditional lost-wax casting. The subject is Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara, the Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of boundless compassion in Tibetan Buddhism.
The deity sits in full lotus posture on a lotus pedestal. The primary pair of hands are joined in anjali mudra at the chest, while the remaining arms extend outward holding various ritual attributes. A vertical stack of emanation heads rises atop the main crown, the defining iconography of Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara.
Behind the figure stands a large teardrop-shaped mandorla, densely chased with countless miniature hands and bordered with flaming patterns. The mandorla has silver-toned detailing along its rim and attaches to the statue via metal latches, designed as a separate assembly piece. The lotus group rests upon a multi-tiered square Sumeru base, decorated with small guardian beast carvings at each corner.
Cast in brass with separate component construction. The base is hollow and retains remnants of old consecration filling inside, plus an original vintage paper label. The whole statue carries an authentic aged patina, minor verdigris visible in recessed crevices.Condition: Fully intact. Main figure, mandorla and Sumeru base are all present, no cracks, breaks, repairs or missing arms/attributes. Original age wear on raised surfaces, natural patina and minor copper corrosion. Old consecration residue and paper label remain inside the base. The latch mechanism for the backplate is still solid. No later polishing or restoration work.
Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara statues are far less common than simple seated Buddhist figures. This well-made assembled example with detailed chasing and original consecration traces is a desirable collectible for Himalayan bronze enthusiasts.Keywords:
Nepalese brass thousand-armed avalokiteshvara, Sahasrabhuja Chenrezig statue, Newar lost wax bronze, Sino-Tibetan buddhist art, Himalayan vintage bronze, Thousand Hands Guanyin, mandorla buddha statue, consecrated tibetan bronze
