A gilt bronze figure of Ushnishavijaya, 18th/19th century

the deity with eight arms and three faces, seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base, one hand in varadamudra, the other in karanamudra, the remaining hands posed to hold various attributes now missing, dressed in a dhoti, celestial scarf and adorned with jewellery, and jewelled tiaras surrounding the tall chignon
23.5 cm high

• Lot Sold $22,000 (Hammer Price)
• $26,840 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)

Provenance

Private Collection, New Zealand, reputedly acquired during the 1970's in Japan or New Zealand.

Ushnishavijaya is a female deity that is the personification of ushnisa, the Buddha's cranial protuberance. Ushnishavijaya was known in China from the 7th century AD, and it is believed that devotion to this deity was introduced by the Indian monk Buddhapali. Ushnishavijaya is depicted with three heads and eight arms, which are meant to hold a Buddha image, a Vajra, an arrow, a lasso, a bow and a vase with the nectar of immortality.
Compare with a figure dated to the 18th century, sold Sotheby's, New York, 18 March 2015, lot 371; and a figure dated to the Qianlong period sold Sotheby's, New York, 14 March 2017, lot 556

Condition Report

Some wear to the matt gold over the face, arms and body. Some surface wear around the base below the lotus petals. The lower outer left hand with two fingers broken off, the two outer right hands with two finger tips missing.

Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's Australia is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Saleroom Notices regarding this sale. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT,ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS.

CONTACT INFORMATION +

Specialists
	Guy Cairnduff Head Arts & Design Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Guy Cairnduff		Geoffrey Smith Chairman Australian & International Art Melbourne  |  Sydney T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Geoffrey Smith
	Ann Roberts Specialist Consultant, Asian Art Arts & Design Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Ann Roberts		Anthony Hurl Specialist Consultant Arts & Design Adelaide T: +61 (0)8 7225 7836 E: Anthony Hur
	Brett Ballard Senior Specialist Australian & International Art Sydney T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Brett Ballard		Fiona Hayward Senior Specialist Australian & International Art Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Fiona Hayward