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Lot
Number
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B000034 |
| Lot
Title |
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Chinese Gilt Bronze Figure of a Bodhisattva, Amitabha |
| Date
of Origin |
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Qing Dynasty |
| Country
of Origin |
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China |
| Material
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Gilt Bronze |
| Measurements |
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17.5 x 5 cm |
| Lot
Quantity |
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1 |
| Estimate |
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| Description:
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This sculpture of gilt Amitabha was brought to me after I bought Amitayus (see the other lot introduction) and other Buddha from Mr. Lee. When I was to pay for the balance, I asked him to show me some more superb Buddha, and he showed me this Amitabha.
It is really spectacular and glowing, almost perfect like a new one. I actually thought it was new in the beginning. However, he told me this gilt Amitabha was bought even earlier than other Buddha from Shanghai Antique Company about 30 years ago, the source is very reliable. He has never shown this sculpture to public and is always kept and wrapped preciously at home, so it looks so brilliant and intact. I considered and negotiated the price with the owner for a while, NT dollar, RMB, and HK dollar all on the table, finally, the owner agreed to sell to me, I then also bought this Buddha. Postscript, after that, I donated those savings from negotiation to Child Welfare League Foundation, a good benefaction and great credit for all of us.
This elegant and elaborate sculpture is representing of the Buddha wearing monastic robes, topping with a holy aureole, standing on a double lotus pedestal with beaded border, with spiral hair and high raised curls, both ears almost reach shoulder. His both eyes gaze downward peacefully, and show an appearance of benevolent face and serene expression. Right hand raising up shows abhaya mudra of protection, someone said right hand shows mudra of teaching (Dharmachakra-Mudra) as it did not reach too far out, while left hand holding a bowl of ambrosia in front of belly, and shows in the mudra of meditation (dhyana-mudra). His upper body is dressed in a fit rope incised with delicate design and covering both shoulders, while the rope also draping down naturally to lower body, very real and realistic. The fire shaped holy aureole is very rare and scarce with superb carving craftsman skill, and decorated with a Vairocana on top, this is the symbol of Amitabha. From the craftsmanship and style of its holy aureole, eyes, and pedestal, I believe this is a Buddha made from Qian Long period. The more I look at him the more I like this Amitabha. |
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| Condition
and Additional Specification: |
The bronze is in an excellent state of preservation. While the high points of the gilding are somewhat rubbed, as can easily be seen in the photos, most of the original gilding remains. The details are incised and well delineated. There is some minor encrustation under the base which was left un-gilt, and on the recessed areas in the back of the sculpture.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to accurately describe all items presented. As we specialize in Asian antique artwork, we encourage you to use your own judgment and expert advice for dating and valuing items. We cannot make any guarantees as to the actual age of any items presented, as opinions are known to vary from one expert to the next. |
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