Mongolia, 4-arm Avalokiteshvara (3)

Late 17th century, Mongolia, Shadakshari Lokeshvara, gilt bronze, private collection, photo on Koller

Made in the style of Zanabazar, this sculpture depicts the bodhisattva of compassion in his common four-arm form: his main hands are almost closed before his heart to hold a wish-granting gem, the upper hands clutch a rosary and a lotus. 

18th century, Mongolia, Shadakshari (Lokeshvara), gilt bronze, private collection, photo on Christie’s.

18th century, Mongolia, Avalokiteshvara, silver, private collection, Dolonnor style, photo on HAR.

A parcel-gilt silver Avalokiteshvara with a large effigy of Amitabha on his head. 

18th century, Mongolia, Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, gilt bronze, private collection, photo on Christie’s.

Because the term ‘chaturbhuja‘ refers to any four-arm form of an entity, sculptures of Avalokiteshvara with this specific iconography are usually labelled ‘Shadakshari Lokeshvara’, although Shadakshari is actually a female attendant.