Page 32 - Bonhams Presencer Buddhist Art Collection Oct. 2 2018

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A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF BUDDHA VAJRASANA
NORTHEASTERN INDIA, PALA PERIOD, 11TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61623
12.5 cm (5 in.) high

HK$150,000 - 250,000
印度東北部 帕拉時期 十一世紀 釋迦牟尼銅坐像

Most important of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Northeastern India is
the location of Shakyamuni’s enlightenment at the Mahabodhi Temple
in Bodh Gaya. Here, it is believed a descendant of the bodhi tree,
which Shakyamuni sat under, still stands. His enshrined seat at the
Mahabodhi Temple, known as the vajrasana (‘vajra seat’), is referenced
in this bronze’s small vajra placed on top of the lotus pedestal. Unlike
many other Buddha images, these ‘Buddha Vajrasana’ emphasize
Shakyamuni’s historicity. Recalling a specific spiritual achievement
associated with a specific site, its mnemonic vajra no doubt promoted
pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya as well. The handsome bronze is a
quintessential example of the Pala style with full and rounded features.
Compare with another of the same subject preserved in Tibet (von
Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, p.1160,
fig.307B). The treatment of his face and hair is shared by the central
figure of a lotus Mandala, published in Art Sacré du Tibet: Collection
Alain Bordier, Paris, 2013, p.74, no.21.

Muslim invasions in the 13th century leveled these pilgrimage sites and
related monasteries. But, by then they had attracted many international
pilgrims who brought teachings and sculptures back with them. The
Pala style subsequently had a profound impact on the Buddhist art
of Asia. Pala sculpture formed one of the two branches that most
strongly influenced early Tibetan sculpture. Examples, like the present,
that survive unexcavated and covered with cold gold were preserved
in Tibet, where they were regarded as having a special religiosity for
being from Shakyamuni’s native land, and served as models for future
sculptures.

Provenance
Acquired from Shirley Day, 1997

30 | BONHAMS