Ca.300AD. A substantial youthful and benign grey schist statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara on a plinth, seated wearing a dhoti and sandals with swags of beads and braided ornaments to the neck, sanghati mantle draped elegantly over the left shoulder; the face with pointed moustache, urna to the brow, copious hair bound with a beaded headband; in a meditating position; the plinth depicting multiple figures ; mounted on a custom-made stand. Good Condition. SIZE: 800x500mm / 32"; Property of a London gentleman; previously with central London gallery; The figure probably represents the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is said to embody the compassion of all Buddhas or 'awakened beings'. According to some early Buddhist teachings drawing on pre-existing Hindu tradition, the sun and moon are said to be born from Avalokite?vara's eyes, Shiva from his brow, Brahma from his shoulders, Narayana from his heart, Saraswati from his teeth, the winds from his mouth, the earth from his feet, and the sky from his stomach. In this way, he has the role of 'primordial being' also seen in the stories of Vedic Yama and Avestan Yima, who are instrumental in creating the world from the remains of a single being. All Items sold by Pax Romana Auctions come with a professional Certificate of Authenticity and FREE domestic and international shipping.