TIBET, 16TH-17TH CENTURY

The subject of the present figure, Guhyasamaja Lokeshvara or his consort, is exceedingly rare to find in three-dimensional form. This tantric form of buddha Avalokiteshvara emerges out of the Guhyasamaja Tantra and this particular meditational deity was said to have been promoted by the famed Indian adept, Atisha. A painted image of this figure can be found in the upper right corner of a painting of Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra at The Rubin Museum of Art (accession no. C2001.1.3; Himalayan Art Resources, item no. 65003). The present gilt-bronze image of Guhyasamaja Lokeshvara is executed in a mature, Tibetan style—with a soft, round face, delicate ornaments, well-executed drapery, and an elegant, waisted double-lotus base.
Himalayan Art Resources, item no. 24533.