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Lot
Number
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B000116 |
| Lot
Title |
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Chinese Stone Figure of a Bodhisattva, Amitabha |
| Date
of Origin |
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Northern Wei |
| Country
of Origin |
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China |
| Material
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Stone |
| Measurements |
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108 x 85 x 48 cm |
| Lot
Quantity |
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1 |
| Estimate |
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| Description:
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I knew right away that this Amitabha statue would be in my collections when I first saw this stunning sculpture. The seller has a large collection of stone made Buddha, and I visited his place several times, but never got to see this statue as it was kept in the very inside private room not opening to public. Coincidently, I went into that room, and saw this statue and was immediately attacked by its style. I asked the seller if I could take a photo of the statue, and the seller generously said no problem at all, the good collection is supposed to share with more people. I took the photo and shared with many of my friends, and everyone agreed that this statue is very impressed, solemn, and dignified. The seller did not go to the shop that often, so I did not really have the chance to negotiate a good price with him. Finally, I met with the seller one day, but he offered a roof high price. I was sure that there must be room for negotiation, so I took couple months to talk about price with him, and finally was able to let him cut down the price to a more reasonable range.
But, another issue came up, the Buddha is quite big in size, and I could not find a proper location to place the statue. The seller was very kind and allowed me to leave the statue at his place for another couple months. After I found the right place and time, he asked 3 big men to move this remarkable sculpture to my place. The gang spent a quality time to just put the statue in place, and during the hauling, I also saw the back of the Buddha with drilling holes and marks from the mural wall. Really hope one day I can find the origin of this Buddha and send the statue back to where he really belongs.
This Amitabha Statue is in Northern Wei style with so called delicate bony and unadorned facial features, poised face, elegant post, unconventional appearance, natural and unrestrained body, with all graceful words to describe this great statue. Collar draped down, with wide sleeves, scattered folds on clothes, typically Wei period gentleman demeanor seating on the pedestal with crossed leg posture. Distinct facial appearance, with high bun hair style, some original painting colors are still reminded. The Statue wearing monastic robes, the rope also draping down naturally to lower body, adorned with multiple clothes folders, very real and realistic statue.
Both eyes looking down peacefully, and showing an appearance of kind smile, benevolent face and serene expression. Both hands were broken through the years, but would not affect to the solemn and dignity of the sculpture. Original hands were in the pose of Abhaya mudra to right hand implying to provide people peace and remove fear, and Varada mudra to left hand wishing all people can realize their wishes.
The seller said to me firmly that this is a Buddha statue from Northern Wei period. How lucky I am to own one carved stone Buddha with thousand years of history, I really love this statue very much and specially made a practical and solid iron base to revenerate its glory. |
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| Condition
and Additional Specification: |
The stone is in a good state of preservation considering its age. While the both arms are broken out as can easily be seen in the photos, most of the original decorated colors remain. The details are incised and well delineated. There are chips around the statue, and the drill marks in the back of the sculpture.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to accurately describe all items offered for sale. As we specialize in consigned 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 offered for sale, as opinions are known to vary from one expert to the next. |
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