Page 25 - Maitri CollectionAsian Art Bonhams

3202
A COPPER FIGURE OF AMITAYUS
NEPAL, 9TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61520
4 in. (10 cm) high

$30,000 - 50,000

尼泊爾 九世紀 無量壽佛銅像

Possessing an obliging regal countenance, he sits elegantly with both palms resting in
his lap, facing upwards. Buddha in dhyana mudra can be identified as either Amitayus,
often holding a long-life vase, or Amitabha, often holding an alms bowl: two aspects of
the same deity. However, it is generally accepted that Amitayus has the appearance of a
crowned bodhisattva while Amitabha a Buddha.
The smooth edges, lustrous patina, and considerable loss of gilding indicate the
extensive ritual handling, common for Nepalese sculptures. Wrapped tightly around his
body, his diaphanous sash and dhoti are barely detectable wrapped tightly around his
body, revealing the beautiful contours underneath – a representation of the Gupta ideal
that inspired the restrained elegance of Lichhavi style and later Transitional period.

For related, similarly supple, but later Amitayus, see Rossi, Gods and Demons of the
Himalayas, Hong Kong, 2012, p.34, no.13, and sold Christie’s, New York, 19 March
2013, lot 340. Also compare the present lot to a standing bodhisattva from earlier within
the Lichhavi tradition sold at Bonhams, 14 March 2016, lot 17.

Provenance
Rossi & Rossi Ltd, London, 7 November 2007

THE MAITRI COLLECTION OF INDIAN, HIMALAYAN & SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART | 23