Bronze fire-gilt with traces of colourTibet, 17th centuryDimensions: Height 53 cm by 23 cmWeight: 7222 gramsA wonderful piece from Tibet, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara with eleven heads and eight arms, standing on a double reverse lotus base. The Bodhisattva is dressed in flowy robes decorated with beaded chains, threads and jewellery highlighted with blue stone inlay. Scarves are billowing around the ankles. Two hands are almost joined together in front of the chest, usually holding a jewel. Other two are lowered in front of the hips, one holding a small flask. Another pair is lifted to the side forming mudras and one holding a flower. Another pair is raised at waist-level holding a discus and bow, weapons. The heads are arranged in a pyramid with three rows, ten of the heads peaceful and one ferocious at the top representing Avalokiteshvara’s wrathful form with again another peaceful effigy of Buddha Amithaba.