Page 10 - Bonhams May 11th 2017 London Fine Chinese Art

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A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AMITAYUS
Tibet, 16th/17th century
The deity finely cast seated in vajrasana on a double-lotus base,
with serene expression and downcast eyes, surmounted by plaited
hair arranged in a high chignon and topped with a lotus and pointed
finial, holding the long-life vase inset with turquoise stones, bedecked
with elaborate jewellery including beaded armbands and matching
bracelets, anklets, necklaces, floral earrings and a foliate tiara, his dhoti
loosely gathered over his legs.
20cm (7 7/8in) high

£25,000 - 30,000
CNY220,000 - 260,000

西藏十六/十七世紀 銅鎏金無量壽佛坐像

Amitayus is one of the most popular meditational deities in Vajravana
Buddhism where he is highly revered for his longevity attributes, pure
perception and awareness of the emptiness of phenomena. According
to the ‘Larger Sūtra of Immeasurable Life’, compiled during the 1st
or 2nd century AD, the infinite merits possessed by the deity resulted
from the performance of good deeds in his past lives as a bodhisattva
named Dharmakara. Having attained enlightenment, the deity resided
in the wondrous realm of Sukhavati.

Compare with a similar gilt bronze figure of Amitayus, 16th century, in
the British Museum and illustrated by U.von Schroeder in Indo-Tibetan
Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p.440, fig.118b.

8 | BONHAMS For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.