Page 23 - Indian, Himalaya and Asian Art Bonhams Setp 2015

15
A BLACKSTONE MINIATURE
MAHABODHI TEMPLE
Northeastern India, Pala period,
circa 12th century
The rectangular chamber delicately carved
with niches and repeating images of Buddha,
the upper section fronted by a niche before
the tower on the front, and the bodhi tree on
the reverse.
5 in. (12.7 cm) high
$15,000 - 20,000

印度東北部 帕拉時期 約十二世紀 摩訶菩提
寺石雕模型

These rare models, pilgrim souvenirs of
antiquity, remain as the only representation of
the temple preserving the sanctity of the site
of Buddha’s enlightenment prior to extensive
restoration in the late 19th century.

For a full discussion and numerous closely
related examples see von Schroeder,
Buddhist Sculpture in Tibet, Volume II, Hong
Kong, 2001, pp. 334-351, nos. 111-115;
and Guy, “The Mahabodhi Temple: Pilgrim
Souvenirs of Buddhist India”, The Burlington
Magazine, June 1991, pp. 356-7.

For other published examples see Zwalf,
Buddhism: Art and Faith, London, 1985,
p. 115, no. 154; Zwalf, Heritage of Tibet,
London, 1981, p.118; Malandra, The
Mahabohi Temple, fig.2; and Christie’s, New
York, 17 September 1998, lot 33.

Referenced
HAR - himalayanart.org/items/33039

Provenance
Private Asian Collection since mid 1990s

14

INDIAN, HIMALAYAN & SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART | 21