Page 24 - Sothebys Buddhist Metalwork From The Collection of Tuyet Nguyet And Stephen Markbreiter May 26 2021

Fig. 1 Gilt-copper alloy figure of Shakyamuni Buddha, Tibet, 13th century, Fig. 2 Crowned Buddha enshrined in Yangster Monastery, in the Dolpo
Collection of Philip Goldman, Sotheby’s New York, 21st March 2002, lot 79. regions, Ulrich von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 339
(photographed by D. L. Snellgrove in 1960, detail)
圖一 十三世紀 西藏鎏金銅釋迦牟尼像， Philip Goldman 舊藏
售於紐約蘇富比2002年3月21日，編號79 圖二 尼泊爾德爾帕地區Yangster 寺院之佛像，錄於烏爾里希·馮·施羅德，
《Indo-Tibetan Bronzes》，香港，1981年，頁339
（截圖，D. L. Snellgrove 攝於1960年代）

For a closely related crowned Buddha enshrined in Yangster with the veils and distractions of mundane existence.
Monastery, in the Dolpo border regions, photographed by D. The Buddha remained unmoved by all the pleasant and
L. Snellgrove in 1960, see Ulrich von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan unpleasant distractions with which Mara sought to deflect
Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 339, where von Schroeder him from his goal. According to some traditional accounts,
attributes the sculptures in the shrine unequivocally to Mara’s final assault consisted of an attempt to undermine
Nepalese Newar artisans primarily from the Kathmandu the bodhisattva’s sense of worthiness by questioning
valley. Compare also a closely related gilt-copper alloy Shakyamuni’s entitlement to seek the lofty goal of spiritual
sculpture of Shakyamuni, depicted with a triumphal crown enlightenment and freedom from rebirth. Aided by spirits
reflecting his attainment of enlightenment, sold in our New who reminded him of the countless compassionate efforts
York rooms, 21st March 2002, lot 79, from the collection of he had made on behalf of sentient beings throughout
Philip Goldman. his many animal and human incarnations, Shakyamuni
recognised that it was his destiny to be poised on the
The Buddha is depicted seated in vajraparyankasana,
the right hand held in bhumisparshamudra and the threshold of enlightenment. In response to Mara’s query,
Shakyamuni moved his right hand from his lap to the ground
left in dhyanamudra. The earth-touching gesture of before him, stating, ‘the earth is my witness’. This act of
bhumisparshamudra recalls an episode from his spiritual
biography in which he triumphs over Mara (maravijaya) unwavering resolve, which caused Mara and his army of
just prior to his enlightenment. Having vowed to remain in demons and temptresses to disperse, leaving Shakyamuni
to experience his great enlightenment, is a moment skilfully
meditation until he penetrated the mysteries of existence, captured in this exquisitely modelled and brilliantly gilded
Shakyamuni was visited by Mara, a demon associated
large sculpture.

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