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Lot
Number
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B000031 |
| Lot
Title |
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Splendid Tibetan Gilt Bronze Figure of a Bodhisattva, Amitayus |
| Date
of Origin |
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18th Century |
| Country
of Origin |
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Tibet |
| Material
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Gilt Bronze |
| Measurements |
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6.6 x 4.8 cm |
| Lot
Quantity |
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1 |
| Estimate |
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| Description:
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Description (guaranteed):
It is really fortuitous to me, I just bought a Six-Armed Mahakala, and was on the way to rush back home and enjoy that fine art, then I glanced into this ingenious gilt Amitayus. Stopped by right away and started chatting with the owner. He told me that this was the last day he was doing business in this place, so he took out some of his fine collections of Buddha to see if any lucky person has the chance to consecrate to these Buddha. He was in very good manner and knowledgeable, and I further noticed that this couple is vegetarian and practice Buddhist for long years, so I trust them will never wild talk. The Buddha he put out are all small, but very delicate and stylish, I like them all. I offered a price for all of them, the owner asked me not to negotiate the price but give me a small censer with engraving of ˇ§Da Ming Xuan De Nian Zhiˇ¨. I thought over for a while and agreed that was a good deal, so I paid the down pay to reserve all these Buddha. Looks like I am that lucky guy.
He told me that this gilt Amitayus was bought together with other Buddha from Shanghai Antique Company about 28 years ago, the source is very reliable. He has never shown these pieces to public and is always kept preciously at home. He once took this Amitayus to Southern India to join the Buddhist Blessing Ceremony hosted by Dalai Lama and Gyalwang Karmapa, and it was put on top of the Mandala for empowerment with other Buddha. This makes this Amitayus very rare and scarce. He also mentioned that he has already practiced the code of Amitayus so he can move to next code of Kalacakravajra and pass down this Amitayus statue to someone special.
I carefully observed into this gilt Amitayus, it was inlaid on a Buddhist shrine, the craftsmanship is excellent and delicate. Guess to be a shrine ordered by a Tibetan noble in early periods and kept with him closely. This statue is made of special copper shining with fabulous gilt tone and perfect carving. These elements reveal the Influence of the Great Stupa of Sanchi, India.
The architectural complex is splendid, on the top of which stands a Geruda (in famous Tibetan snow lion appearance) capped with a stupa while each flank with vulture (depicting Dakini is relieving the people) standing on top of each temple pillar. Two Guardians stood on the sides to serve and protect the Amitayus. The image of Buddha Amitayus is seated in the vajraparyankasana on a lotus pedestal with beaded borders. Both hands holding a vase of ambrosia in the gesture of mudra of meditation (dhyana-mudra), her face shows a benign expression, she wears a five-pointed crown fastened with a flowing cap ribbons alongside ears, clad in a voluminous dhoti incised with delicate design, adorned with multiple jeweled necklaces, and limbs with braces. On the back of the shrine, it has the carving of vajra pattern, very realistically. The more I look it the more I like this easy-carried Buddha, I can also always keep it close with me of this empowered mini Buddhist statue. |
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| Condition
and Additional Specification: |
Condition:
The bronze is in an excellent state of preservation. While the high points of the gilding are somewhat rubbed, most of the original gilding remains perfectly. The details are incised and well delineated. There is few minor encrustation under the base which was left un-gilt, and on the recessed areas in the back of the sculpture. |
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