A BRONZE FIGURE OF SHADAKSHARI LOKESHVARA, PALA PERIOD Northeastern India, 10^th - 13^th century. Seated in vajrasana on a double lotus base, his principal hands in anjalimudra, the secondary hands holding a lotus flower and forming the vitarkamudra. Dressed in a dhoti, adorned with fine beaded jewelry, the face with a serene expression and downcast eyes below gently arched eyebrows, centered by an urna, the hair tied in a high chignon secured with a tiara, the face flanked by elongated earlobes suspending two circular earrings.

Provenance:Schoettle Ostasiatica, 31 October 1980 (invoice not available). A Bavarian private collection, acquired from the above and thence by descent. Dutch trade, acquired from the above via the German auction market.
Condition: Good condition commensurate with age. Extensive wear and some casting flaws, few losses, nicks and dents, naturally grown patina. The base unsealed.

Weight: 404.1 g
Dimensions: Height 14.5 cm

Expert's note: The lack of beaded borders to the base of the present lot is unusual for Pala bronzes, but examples do exist. Compare with a bronze figure of Marici at Christie's New York, 20 March 2009, lot 1204, sold for USD 18,750 and a bronze figure of Acala, Christie's New York, 22 March 2011, lot 368, sold for USD 11,875.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 20 March 2012, lot 78
Price: USD 35,000 or approx. EUR 45,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Bronze Figure Of Tara, Northeastern India, Pala Period, 10th Century
Expert remark: Compare the related alloy, cast and patina. Also note the similarity of the beaded jewelry. Finally compare the overall characteristics of both statues, most notably the unadulterated facial expression.