Page 204 - Bonhams Asian Art London November 5, 2020

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A LARGE GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA Conveying a high degree of power and presence, this powerful and
SHAKYAMUNI large-scale figure of Buddha Shakyamuni is notable for the crisp
Mid Ming Dynasty casting and the meticulous attention to detail which is echoed in the
Finely cast with eyes downcast in meditative expression seated in gentle folds of the elegant monastic robes, finely embellished with
dhyanasana,with the right hand reaching down towards the ground foliate scrolls and diaper patterns.
in bhumisparsha mudra, the left hand held gently in the lap in dhyana
mudra, dressed in pleated garments open at the chest, all supported The figure of Shakyamuni is one of the most widely represented
on a double-lotus pedestal, covered overall with layered gilt lacquer subjects in Buddhist art. Modelled in the earth-touching gesture
and polychrome. or bhumisparsha mudra, the Buddha recalls the moment of his
47.5cm (18 3/4in) high. Enlightenment, in which he called upon the earth as his witness of his
battle against the temptations and attacks of Mara and his demons.
£30,000 - 50,000 The serene countenance conveyed by the gentle facial features, with
CNY260,000 - 440,000 the eyes depicted half closed in meditation and the long earlobes
symbolising long life, follows the standard rules for the depiction of
Buddha to ensure the deity was shown embodying maximum power.
明中期 銅漆金釋迦牟尼坐像
Compare with a related gilt-bronze figure of Buddha in the
Provenance: a European private collection Munsterberg collection, Ming dynasty; see H.Munsterberg, Chinese
Buddhist Bronzes, New York, 1988, pls.18a and 18b.
來源：歐洲私人收藏
See also a related but slightly smaller gilt-lacquered bronze figure of
Buddha, Ming dynasty, which was sold at Christie’s New York, 22-23
March 2012, lot 1778.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
202 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.