A Fine Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, 17th–18th Century, with Sealed Double-Vajra - Gilt, Bronze - Tibet - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
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This original Tibetan gilt-bronze figure of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara dates to the Qing dynasty and has a sealed base engraved with a double vajra.
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Description from the seller
A Fine and Finely Gilt Bronze Figure of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara
Tibet, 17th–18th century
Height: 15.5 cm
Provenance: Private Dutch collection, acquired in 2010 from a private collector in The Hague, the Netherlands, and retained in the same collection until the present.
A fine and richly gilded bronze figure of the four-armed Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, seated in vajrasana upon a finely cast double-lotus pedestal.
The beautifully modelled deity is depicted with a serene, gently smiling expression, delicately arched eyebrows, elongated eyes, and softly defined lips, conveying an atmosphere of profound tranquility and spiritual grace.
The head is adorned with an elaborate, finely worked five-leaf crown, surmounted by an image of a seated Buddha and surrounded by decorative foliate elements. Large floral earrings frame the face, while gracefully curling ornaments rise beside the head, adding movement and richness to the composition.
The four arms are arranged in the traditional iconography of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara. The principal hands are joined before the chest in anjali mudra, the gesture of reverence and devotion, while the two secondary hands are raised beside the shoulders, their delicately articulated fingers forming elegant gestures.
The deity wears richly ornamented jewellery, including layered necklaces, bracelets, armlets, and an elaborate arrangement of decorative chains across the chest. Flowing scarves descend gracefully around the arms and body, creating a particularly harmonious and balanced silhouette.
The lower body is wrapped in an elegantly draped dhoti with finely rendered folds, the figure seated upon a beautifully proportioned double-lotus pedestal with pronounced, carefully modelled petals and beaded borders.
- Gilding and Craftsmanship
Particularly noteworthy is the attractive survival of the rich golden gilding, which covers much of the sculpture and lends the figure a warm, luminous appearance.
The subtle variations between the brilliant gilded surfaces and the darker, naturally worn recesses beautifully emphasise the sculptural details, especially the facial features, jewellery, crown, and lotus petals.
The quality of the casting, careful modelling of the hands, and intricate ornamental details contribute to the sculpture's refined character.
- Original-Style Sealed Base with Double Vajra
A particularly desirable feature is the surviving copper-coloured baseplate, displaying a finely engraved double vajra (visvavajra) at its centre.
The double vajra is an important Buddhist symbol representing stability, spiritual strength, and the indestructible nature of enlightened wisdom.
The presence of the fitted baseplate is an attractive feature associated with the traditional consecration of Tibetan Buddhist sculptures. Its warm reddish-brown patination contrasts beautifully with the brilliant golden surface of the figure.
- Historical and Religious Significance
Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara is one of the most revered manifestations of the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism.
His four arms symbolise the union of compassion and wisdom, while the principal hands joined before the heart express devotion and the compassionate intention to benefit all sentient beings.
He is closely associated with the sacred six-syllable mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, one of the most widely recited prayers in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Catalogue Note
A highly attractive and finely detailed example of Tibetan Buddhist gilt-bronze sculpture, distinguished by its elegant proportions, serene expression, elaborate crown and jewellery, extensive surviving gilding, and beautifully engraved double-vajra baseplate.
The combination of craftsmanship, rich gilding, traditional iconography, and established Dutch private-collection provenance makes this a particularly appealing example of Tibetan devotional art from the 17th–18th century.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
A Fine and Finely Gilt Bronze Figure of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara
Tibet, 17th–18th century
Height: 15.5 cm
Provenance: Private Dutch collection, acquired in 2010 from a private collector in The Hague, the Netherlands, and retained in the same collection until the present.
A fine and richly gilded bronze figure of the four-armed Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, seated in vajrasana upon a finely cast double-lotus pedestal.
The beautifully modelled deity is depicted with a serene, gently smiling expression, delicately arched eyebrows, elongated eyes, and softly defined lips, conveying an atmosphere of profound tranquility and spiritual grace.
The head is adorned with an elaborate, finely worked five-leaf crown, surmounted by an image of a seated Buddha and surrounded by decorative foliate elements. Large floral earrings frame the face, while gracefully curling ornaments rise beside the head, adding movement and richness to the composition.
The four arms are arranged in the traditional iconography of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara. The principal hands are joined before the chest in anjali mudra, the gesture of reverence and devotion, while the two secondary hands are raised beside the shoulders, their delicately articulated fingers forming elegant gestures.
The deity wears richly ornamented jewellery, including layered necklaces, bracelets, armlets, and an elaborate arrangement of decorative chains across the chest. Flowing scarves descend gracefully around the arms and body, creating a particularly harmonious and balanced silhouette.
The lower body is wrapped in an elegantly draped dhoti with finely rendered folds, the figure seated upon a beautifully proportioned double-lotus pedestal with pronounced, carefully modelled petals and beaded borders.
- Gilding and Craftsmanship
Particularly noteworthy is the attractive survival of the rich golden gilding, which covers much of the sculpture and lends the figure a warm, luminous appearance.
The subtle variations between the brilliant gilded surfaces and the darker, naturally worn recesses beautifully emphasise the sculptural details, especially the facial features, jewellery, crown, and lotus petals.
The quality of the casting, careful modelling of the hands, and intricate ornamental details contribute to the sculpture's refined character.
- Original-Style Sealed Base with Double Vajra
A particularly desirable feature is the surviving copper-coloured baseplate, displaying a finely engraved double vajra (visvavajra) at its centre.
The double vajra is an important Buddhist symbol representing stability, spiritual strength, and the indestructible nature of enlightened wisdom.
The presence of the fitted baseplate is an attractive feature associated with the traditional consecration of Tibetan Buddhist sculptures. Its warm reddish-brown patination contrasts beautifully with the brilliant golden surface of the figure.
- Historical and Religious Significance
Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara is one of the most revered manifestations of the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism.
His four arms symbolise the union of compassion and wisdom, while the principal hands joined before the heart express devotion and the compassionate intention to benefit all sentient beings.
He is closely associated with the sacred six-syllable mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, one of the most widely recited prayers in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Catalogue Note
A highly attractive and finely detailed example of Tibetan Buddhist gilt-bronze sculpture, distinguished by its elegant proportions, serene expression, elaborate crown and jewellery, extensive surviving gilding, and beautifully engraved double-vajra baseplate.
The combination of craftsmanship, rich gilding, traditional iconography, and established Dutch private-collection provenance makes this a particularly appealing example of Tibetan devotional art from the 17th–18th century.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Country of Origin
Tibet
Attribution
Original
Material
Bronze, Gilt
Title of artwork
A Fine Tibetan Gilt-Bronze Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, 17th–18th Century, with Sealed Double-Vajra
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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