EXCEPTIONAL LOKESHVARA SIMHANADA.
Tibet/Nepal. Dated 1599; but probably later.

Copper alloy; fire gilding and residue of pigments. The Bodhisattva sitting in rajalilasana on a lion. The right hand rests on his knee; holding a rosary; the left hand posed and holding a big lotus stem. His body is adorned with Bodhisattva jewelry; his hair is pinned up high and decorated; too.

On the lotus pedestal's back an inscription in Prachalit Newari characters: In the year 719 Nepal Sambat [1599] the father Dish Raj Shakya and his son Padma Raj Shakya make an offering to Simbha Bahan Lokeshvara on Lhhutti Purni (Day of the Full Moon).

The Day of the Full Moon Rato Macchindra Nath; a reincarnation of Lokeshvara; who is also worshipped as deity of compassion or rain deity; taking a bath. Four days later; and symbolised by a giant chariot (which is shown in the photo); his two months round trip through Lalitpur (Patan) starts. Height 25cm. Condition A/B.

Provenance:
-Private collection Schleswig-Holstein; Germany.
Art trade; Van Ham.