Page 20 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art March 2016 New York

11
A COPPER ALLOY SHRINE
OF CROWNED BUDDHA
Myanmar, Pagan period, circa 12th century
Standing on a footed base before a latticed aureole
surmounted by a stupa, Buddha displays the
attitude of reassurance with a calm, attractive smile.
11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm) high
$15,000 - 20,000

緬甸 蒲甘時期 約十二世紀 戴冠銅佛像

Surviving with a smooth, glossy patina, this
delightful bronze is embellished with delicately
modeled fingernails and plump silver inlaid eyes.
Less three-dimensional than the Pala bronzes of
Kurkihar it takes guidance from, the figure expresses
the debt of Pagan artists to Pala art and Buddhism.

In her description of a related example, Huntington
identifies key features that distinguish highly
standardized Pagan production from Pala
precedents. Reflected in the present sculpture,
among them are a more slender and elongated
figure, a distinctive upward curve to the cheeks
and mouth, and less three-dimensional lotus petals
(Huntington, Leaves from the Bodhi Tree, London,
1990, p. 223, no. 64.)

Referenced
HAR - himalayanart.org/items/61410

Provenance
Private Collection, California
Acquired from Bodhicitta Inc., New York, 2000

18 | BONHAMS