KOLLER VIEW 4/23

18 1 A magnificent dark grey stone stele of Vishnu. India, Pala, 12 th c. H 102 cm. Estimate: CHF 50 000/80 000 2 A n impressive bronze figure of the seated Buddha. Thailand, 14 th c. H112 cm. Estimate: CHF 80 000/120 000 3 Q i Baishi (1864–1957). Three shrimps and lotus leaves. Ink on paper. 79.5 × 32 cm. Estimate: CHF 15 000/25 000 4 A mandala tangka of Amitayus. Southern Tibet, 15 th c. 62 × 55 cm. Estimate: CHF 25 000/35 000 5 A fine gilt bronze figure of the standing Avalokiteshvara. Tibeto-Chinese, 17 th /18 th c. H 29.5 cm. Estimate: CHF 40 000/60 000 Eleven-headed compassion Preview of the Asian Art auction on 28 November 2023 In the 28 November auction, Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is presented in one of his most spectacular forms, an eleven-headed fig- ure called Ekadashamukha (ill. 5). Nine of his heads, with gentle facial expressions, are stacked in groups sidered the embodiment of absolute truth and infinite life. This mandala shows the magnificent palace of Amitayus surrounded by deities and teachers of the Shakyapa tradition (ill. 4). The Chinese artist Qi Baishi became famous for his spirited depictions of animals and plants, and his work as a calligrapher and seal engraver was also signifi- cant. His works have been sought after by collectors for many years, and are among the most successful on the international art market. In this ink drawing with shrimps and lotus leaves, viewers encounter the pow- erful, spontaneous brushstroke that characterised Qi Baishi’s late work. (ill. 3). 4 of three, symbolising the immensity of the compassion and attention he gives to hu- manity. The nine heads are crowned by a wrathful Mahakala head and, on top of that, the head of Buddha Amitabha. Bodhisat- tvas are enlightened beings who renounce paradise in order to be able to assist people on their path to enlightenment and high- er wisdom. Typical of the embodiment of helpfulness are the eight arms, which orig- inally held various attributes. The standing bodhisattva appears in splendid princely adornment with jewelled chains, ear pen- dants and crowns. The antelope skin over his left shoulder is reminiscent of ascetic Indian gurus. This work is by a Chinese or Mongolian studio, and was part of a Swiss private collection for 25 years. The tender, finely crafted expres- sions of the faces, the strong fire gilding and the elegant, masterly engravings on the surface of the lotus pedestal all contribute to its impressive allure. Amitayus is a special form of Amitabha who belongs to the five great transcendental Buddhas, and is con- 1 2 3 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ASIAN ART Regi Preiswerk preiswerk@kollerauctions.com ONLINE CATALOGUES www.kollerauctions.com