Page 53 - Chinese Art Auction April 25, 2020 2020 Galerie Zacke

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A gIlT cOPPeR AllOy FIguRe Seated in dhyanasana on a single lotus throne, with robust limbs, broad
OF buddhA shAKyAMuNI, shoulders, and the thick chest narrowing to a defined waist. The hands
PRObAbly deNsATIl in dhyana and bhumisparsa mudra. Wearing a close-fitting five-edged
sanghati, with each edge aligned neatly above the other, draped over his
Tibet, 14th-15th century. In clean lines and rounded forms, the artist left shoulder. His face with serene meditative expression, the spiraling urna
conveys the power and presence of Buddha, with his right hand in meticulously incised in relief on his forehead, finely arched eyebrows, eyes
the earth-touching position, bhumisparsha mudra, recalling a crucial downcast in contemplation, and slightly-smiling bow-shaped mouth, his
episode from his spiritual biography in which he triumphs over Mara hair arranged in rows of curls, the domed ushnisha surmounted by a bud-
just prior to his enlightenment. shaped Chintamani.
The Tang fragment at the back and other distinct densatil features
Provenance: Schoettle Ostasiatica, Joachim Baader, Munich, Germany. The particularly well-proportioned figure with its simple yet sensuous
Dr. Horst Keller, Düsseldorf, Germany, acquired from the above on appearance is - at first glance- evocative of high Newari craftsmanship,
11 February 1991. The original invoice document from Schoettle popularly commissioned by wealthy Tibetan monastic patrons during the
Ostasiatica is accompanying this lot. Please note that in this invoice, the 14th and 15th centuries. However, the extra thick method of casting, the
statue is erroneously dated to the 18th century. compressed and expressively defined lotus petals and, last but not least,
condition: Unsealed. Traces of use, dents, warping, old wear, remnants the tang fragment at the back of the base are common traits of sculpture
of pigment and varnish, verdigris, small losses, all fully consistent with typically associated with the famed monastery of Densatil. A superb
the age of this statue. Overall good condition. Cakrasamvara in the Rubin Museum of Art shares the same features (see
Pal, Sensuous Immortals, Los Angeles, p. 177, no. 105) along with examples
Weight: 4.5 kg now in the Potala Palace Collection published in von Schroeder, Buddhist
Dimensions: Height 27.8 cm Sculptures in Tibet, vol. II, Hong Kong, 2001, pp. 1040-1041, nos. 260A-E.

compare the tang fragment on the cakrasamvara in the rubin Museum of Art with the one on the present statue

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