Page 47 - 2019 September 9th Bonhams Important Chinese Works of Art

PROPERTY OF VARIOUS OWNERS

846
A RARE AND LARGE GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF
MAHASTHAMAPRAPTA
Ming dynasty
Heavily cast in great detail, portrayed seated in dhyanasana, the hands
held in dhyanamudra, the soles of the feet incised with the ‘wheel of
the Buddhist law’, dressed in loose robes with elaborate lotus scroll
borders, open at the chest to reveal a necklace suspending a central
floral pendant and multiple beaded chains, the full face with a serene
expression and downcast eyes framed by a foliate tiara centered with
a kundika and elaborate earrings, the hair dressed in a curled topknot
surmounted by a jewel and tied tresses falling over the shoulders.
23in (58.5cm) high

$20,000 - 30,000

明 銅漆金大勢至菩薩坐像

Provenance:
Acquired from an Alexandria, Virginia estate, 2017

來源：
2017年購於弗吉尼亞州，亞歷山德里亞市

The kundika in the headdress identifies the figure as the
bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta. In Chinese Pure Land Buddhism,
Mahasthamaprapta is often depicted with Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) on
either side of Amitabha Buddha. The bodhisattva’s name means the
arrival of great strength, and while Avalokitesvara is the personification
of Amitabha’s compassion, Mahasthamaprapta represents the power
of Amitabha’s wisdom.

Figures of this size are rare. A similar figure sold in these rooms, 18
March 2019, lot 511.

FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART AND PAINTINGS | 45