The Bodhisattva appears to be a copy of a sacred and presently unknown original, displaying the same extraordinary stylistic characteristics, specifically the kirtimukha-centered crown bent back to touch the top of the headgear,, snake-style armbands, and twisted fabric across the thighs. The prototype is clearly early, perhaps as early as seventh century, but the age of the copies cannot be determined by style. This fine example, refined and elegant, appears relatively early, perhaps as early as 12th c.

published, Ian Alsop, "Copies in Tibetan Sacred Art: Two Examples", Oriental Art Vol XLVI no 2 (2000), p. 11 fig 15b.

provenance: Spink and Son, London