Page 30 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art September 2013

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A gilt copper alloy figure of Amitayus
Tibet or Mongolia, 18th century
Seated on a single row lotus platform with
defined stamen, the bodhisattva with both
hands supporting the kalasha adorned with a
triratna, and wearing elaborate jewelry and a tall
five-leaf crown.
11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm) high
$20,000 - 30,000

In keeping with traditional iconography,
Amitayus holds a vase of the elixir of immortality
in his lap. He is invoked in rites for healing the
sick, prolonging life, and transmitting “life
power”. As discussed by Fisher, Amitayus is
often interchangeable with Amitabha, especially
in East Asia and Tibet, where he gradually
acquired a distinct identity as the Buddha for
the attainment of long life (Fisher, Art of Tibet,
London, 1997, p. 37). Compare the treatment
of the lotus base to an example of Vajrasattva
published in Olson, Tantric Buddhist Art, New
York, 1974, no. 33, p. 75.

Provenance:
Private Collection, Los Angeles

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