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tHe ZanabaZar buddHa
This exceptionally beautiful gilt bronze fgure of Buddha Amitabha embodies Stylistically the elegant drapery of the robe is reminiscent of Yongle period
stylistic sophistication and technical fnesse, hallmarks of the Zanabazar images, as is the fawlessly cast circular double-lotus base. The Buddha’s
sculptural school. The workshop of the great Mongolian political and religious form is perfectly proportioned with elongated limbs and a broad robust
leader and master artist, Jebstundamba Khutukhtu Zanabazar (1635-1723), is chest, emphasized by a sensuously tapered waist, features found in both
renowned for incorporating Pala, Newari and Yongle stylistic elements into a Pala-period and Newari prototypes. The almond-shaped eyes, long pointed
uniquely Mongolian artistic expression. Cast as a single form with superbly nose and rosebud mouth create a serene contemplative expression which is
modeled details and thick, lustrous gilding, Zanabazar school bonzes are portrait-like in its refnement. Each tuft of hair that rises over the ushnisha is
hailed as sculptural masterpieces of the period. The noted scholar and distinct, demonstrating the artist’s attention to detail. Compare the present
conservator Giles Beguin states; “The molded perfection of his pieces, the work with a bronze fgure of Buddha in the Bogdo Khan Palace Museum in
refnement and variety of the jewelry, and the subtlety of his drapery constitute Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (P. Berger & T.T. Bartholomew, Mongolia: The Legacy
the height of Lamaistic art” (A. & F. Rossi, Treasures from Mongolia: Buddhist of Chinggis Khan, London, 1995, pp.78 & 295, cat.no.107). Though the Palace
Sculpture from the School of Zanabazar, London, 2005). Museum fgure retains its cold-gilded and painted details, the composition,
modeling and overall quality of the two works are nearly identical. For further
The present work depicts Buddha seated in dhyanasana, with his hands in comparison see a Zanabazar school fgure of similar size and quality, which
dhyananmudra and holding an alms bowl. He wears a monk’s robe draped over sold at Christie’s New York on 19 March 2013 for $603,750 (lot 219).
his left shoulder, the hems of which are delicately incised with foret designs.
P. Berger & T.T. Bartholomew, Mongolia: A gilt bronze fgure of Buddha
The Legacy of Chinggis Khan, London, 1995, Mongolia, Zanabazar school, 18th century.
pp.78 & 295, cat.no.107 Sold at Christie’s New York, 19 March 2013.
