Khmer Bronze Image of Avalokiteshvara

This elegant, four-armed cast bronze image of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the of embodiment of Buddhist compassion, dates to the 12th century, Angkor Period. The image is beautifully detailed and refined.

The deity is shown bare chested but with ample court jewellery, and with a skirt or sampot with fishtail pleating in front and behind, secured by an elaborate belt. The tall chignon is arranged as a crown with a single finial, evocative perhaps of Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the gods, and bears on the front a seated image of Amitabha (the Buddha of the past and transcendental Buddha of Mahayana Buddhism).

The treatment of the sampot is in the late 12th century style in that it is more leafy and flowing in conception rather than having the stylised nature and rigidity of earlier periods. The inclusion of a third eye also is consisient with a late 12th century dating.

In his hands he holds a rosary, a lotus bud, a ritual water pot and a manuscript.

This image has a varying, mottled dark patina with areas of red all over.

Overall, this image is a fine example. It has a superb three-dimensional quality.

The image is secured to a custom-made wooden stand which itself has evident age.