Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara - Nepal, high quality silver alloy, some paint and cold-gilt (incarnate), imposing depiction of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara the Bodhisattva of boundless compassion in his most popular emanation as the four-armed Shadakshari Lokeshvara. This manifestation embodies the famous six-syllable mantra ''Om mani padme hum'' (skr.sad-aksara), which is ricited daily by Buddhists of the Tibetan culture in order to plead his mercy for all sentient beings and his assistance in danger, 'Shadakshari' means 'who has / is the six-syllables[mantra]'), each respective Dalai Lama is always considered the incarnation of Shadakshari, seated in dhyana-asana on a tiered throne adorned with lotus leaves, flowers and ruyi heads, a broad-rimmed dhoti with dragon reliefs and karakusa tendrils covers most of the legs, wide scarf with floral border around his shoulders, skin of a gazelle over the left shoulder as symbol of his compassion, on both sides there are narrow silk scarves falling down in elegant loops, meandering upward again at knee height, the pair of hands folded in front of the chest usually encloses a wish-fulfilling jewel. skr.cintamani ''(manidhara-mudra), since the jewel is barely visible here, it could also be the 'anjali-mudra' (respectful gesture of greeting and obeying), right hand with akshamala, left hand with open lotus (skt. padma), middle hands are holding the wish-fulfilling jewel Cintamani in front of his heart (skt. manidhara mudra), engraved Vishvavajra to the sealed base, H.c.21cm, weight c.1520g Provenance Private Collection Germany