7 | LARGE GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF AVALOKITESVARA Shunzhi period, 1644 – 1661 Height: 107 cm | 42 in Click image for full-size version This figure bears a dated dedicatory inscription corresponding to 1660, the first reign of the Qing dynasty. It is very rare to find dated bronzes from this period, and interesting to note that this figure is still very much in the late Ming style; once into the Kangxi era (1662 – 1722) a strong Tibetan influence permeates the style of Chinese Buddhist bronze sculpture – as can be seen in the figures of Sakyamuni and Amitayus in this catalogue (nos. 8 and 9). Avalokitesvara is seated in vajrasana, the lotus position, with the right hand holding the stem of a lotus flower in vitarka mudra – the thumb and index finger forming the circular ‘wheel of the law’ (representing intellectual argument). The broad face – with downcast eyes and a half smile – conveys an expression of contemplation and serenity. The Bodhisattva is dressed in a long skirt tied high at the waist by a bow – above which the character fo, meaning ‘Buddha’, has been chased into the floral border. A shawl and long outer garment, with similar floral borders, covers the shoulders, arms and legs – leaving the upturned feet exposed. The chest is adorned by jewelled pendants suspended from a collar necklace, and the ears with large floral pendants; the head is surmounted by a tall diadem centred by Amitabha – the diadem partially draped by a cowl that falls behind the shoulders. A large, separately cast, circular lotus base supports the Bodhisattva which, in turn, fits into a separate cylindrical column and octagonal plinth; this is surrounded by a balustrade – its front side containing the dedicatory inscription. Around the column, two dragons confront each other amongst a collection of sea creatures and waves. The inscription can be translated to read as follows: ‘Respectively made by Madame Hei on the auspicious 19th day of the second month in the 17th year of Shunzhi for the devotee Baier Heitu’. Similar example: Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Chang Foundation, 1993 – plate 37.