Page 148 - Christie's Asian Art Auctions PARIS December 2019

This extremely rare and exquisitely cast bronze
fgure of Buddha Shakyamuni is a tour de force of
modelling and detailing. The fgure can be viewed
in the round with the back being as well-fnished
as the front. It seems that no other examples
are published showing the naked body parts of
the Buddha just in brass while his full monastic
patchwork mantle is executed in copper. The warm
and rich colour of the copper on its turn enhances
the delicate inlaying of several zinc and brass
mantras scattered around. Each is formed as the
‘aum’’ monogram derived from the Indian Lantsha
script. The central monogram on the back shows
even some further zinc and brass feathery leaf
inlays. His inner skirt is secured with a zinc inlaid
belt. Important details of his body are inlaid as
well, like his forehead with a silver urna, being the
symbol of spiritual wisdom, alike his eyes. Further
are his eye sides, lips and fnger-nails embellished
with copper.
The reverse of the base is engraved with an
irregular and hardly decipherable dedicatory
inscription which the Tibetologist Mr. E. Bock was
able to translate as follow:
“Lord Muni and the sixteen arhats [….] to please
and rejoy with all desirable objects […]. This was
commissioned in order to clear all obstacles for this
life and reach Buddhahood in the next for the two
[dGa.’ba.re.sa and Tshe.rings.kyab.ma]”.
Both latter names according to Mr. Bock might
stand for the commissioners of this fne Buddha
bronze. He devoted an article to this Buddha which
is available on request.

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