6th C. Chinese Northern Qi Dynasty (ca. 550-577 AD) gilt bronze standing Bodhisattva Buddha figure of Avalokiteshvara. With downcast eyes under delicately arched brows, with the face slightly smiling, peaceful in appearance, one face with the hair piled on the top of the head with long black tresses falling across the shoulders. The lower body is garbed in brocade skirt. The right hand is extended downward in the mudra of supreme generosity with the palm facing outward. The figure stands with her weight on her right leg and her left turned out, causing her hip to sway to the right, depicting the compassion of past, present and future Buddha's. Trace of gilt remain on surface, with hints of dark-blue pigment on hair. Bronze is in beautiful condition with minimal marring of the surface. The bronze shows dark-brown with molted green-grayish patina. The reverse side of Buddha shows a rectangular cut-out. Measurements: Height: 22 3/8" Width: 5 7/8"PROVENANCE:Pineville-Charlotte, North Carolina, private collector, by inheritance. Believed to be purchased from OLIVOTTI BRO'S, 1191 Broadway, New York, N Y. and/or, of 145 Tremont ST. Boston, MA. During 1916-1924.