Page 104 - Bonhams September 10 2018 New York Chinese Works of Art

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A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF KASYAPA
Ming dynasty
Cast standing on a double-lotus pedestal with hands clasped before
the chest, the wizened expression framed by long eyebrows and
pendulous ears, the wrinkles on the forehead and neck indicating
advanced age, a long antaravesaka with chased sawtooth borders
tied around the waist, the upper body wrapped in a kasaya with finely
chased lotus scroll borders
16 2/2in (42cm) high

$50,000 - 70,000

明 銅鎏金迦葉尊者立像

Kasyapa was one of Buddha’s ten principal disciples. When he first
met Buddha, he was already in his late eighties. He was a teacher
in his own right and had a large following. After an encounter with
Buddha, Kasyapa recognized Buddha’s superior wisdom and
converted along with all of his disciples.

He is often portrayed with Ananda, each standing on either side of
Shakyamuni Buddha. Ananda was one of Buddha’s first cousins, and
as such is depicted as a young man with hands held in anjalimudra.
As an example, see the figure sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 29
Nov 2016, lot 30; and one with elaborate robes sold at Sotheby’s,
London, 11 May 2011, lot 267. Kasyapa, as mentioned, was much
older and portrayed as an elder with hands clasped, as in the
example sold in these rooms, 14 Mar 2016, lot 8037.

The drapery of the robes, the fine chasing of the borders, the
beautifully rendered lotus petals on the pedestal and the clear
portrayal of age of the present lot, make this a remarkable example
of Ming craftsmanship.

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