Page 50 - Maitri CollectionAsian Art Bonhams

3209
A COPPER INLAID BRASS ALLOY FIGURE OF BUDDHA
CENTRAL TIBET, 13TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61519
4 1/4 in. (11.1 cm) high

$30,000 - 50,000
西藏中部 十三世紀 錯紅銅佛坐像

Masterfully cast in the round, this handsome Buddha image of squat, robust proportions
and swollen, symmetrically curving lotus petals follows a type frequently encountered
in 13th- and 14th-century Central and Southern Tibet (cf. von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan
Bronzes, 1981, p.190, nos.39A&C.) The broad pleat of the robe across the shoulder
departs from a thinner and more diminutive Pala style found in earlier, 12th- and 13th-
century Tibetan copies (contrast with ibid., pp.179&289 nos.33F&G and 72C&G).

The sculpture’s size indicates that it was likely created for private use, and perhaps
stored in a traveling shrine (gau). Its gorgeous buttery patina, and partial wear to the
incised patterns of copper inlaid hems, suggests it has been the recipient of repeated
ablutions. The ground lapis lazuli embedded among his spiky hair curls, and remains of
cold gold in recessed areas attest to the object’s veneration in Tibet.

The consecrating baseplate bears a rare a distinctive engraved design, depicting the
common visvavajra, here at the center of a lotus encircled by the ashtamangala, or eight
auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism: comprising the parasol, fish, vase, lotus,
conch, endless knot, banner of victory, and wheel.

Provenance
Mehmet Hassan Asian Art, Bangkok, acquired in Hong Kong, 1998
Acquired from the above, 7 June 2007

48 | BONHAMS