Bodhisattva Statue Avalokiteśvara Lokesvara Buddhist Stone Deity Sculpture
This very old carved, pink sandstone statue, believed to date from the 11th century or earlier, and possibly represents Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva who made a great vow to assist sentient beings in times of difficulty, and to postpone his own Buddhahood until he has assisted every sentient being in achieving Nirvana. (In Sri Lanka Avalokiteśvara is known as Natha-deva. In Burma Avalokiteśvara is known as Lokanat and in Thailand is known as Lokesvara.) The figure is male, with oriental features. His crown is carved with floral motifs and almond-shaped jewel, and he is wearing necklace and earrings. Possibly from the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty, particularly during reign of Prithviraja III (1178-1192), in present-day northern India.
Excavated condition with missing arms, legs missing below calves, with worn face and loss to chin and gouge to torso, and white house paint on torso. In 2018 professional restorations made to the face and chest as seen in our before and after images. Mounted on modern wooden pedestal, it measures 33.5 by 11 by 8 in (85 by 28 by 20 cm). Provenance: Leland Little, 9/15/07, with lot description indicating consignor's purchase from Sotheby's, circa 1980.
