Page 224 - Sotheby's October 3 2017 Tantra Buddhost Art

3136

PROPERTY FROM THE LE CONG TANG COLLECTION

AN EXTREMELY RARE 明永樂 釋迦牟尼佛坐像石碑
AND SUPERBLY CARVED
LIMESTONE STELE OF 來源：
SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA 1945年後購於舊金山
MING DYNASTY, YONGLE 紐約佳士得2007年3月22日，編號226
PERIOD 樂從堂收藏

of rectangular form, meticulously and skilfully carved on one
side with Shakyamuni Buddha seated in vajraparyankasana on
a double-lotus pedestal above a waisted multi-tiered base, the
deity portrayed with the right hand held in blumisparshamuda
and the left in dhyanamudra, depicted clad in a pleated robe
draped over the left shoulder, the meditative expression
accentuated with downcast eyes below thin arched brows,
flanked by long pendulous earlobes pierced with vertical slots,
surmounted by hair arranged in rows of small whorls and a
conical bud-shaped ushnisha, the head and torso framed
by a halo and surrounded by a mandorla crested with a
soaring dragon flanked by a pair of makara above a lappet-
bordered beam, the lower section of the mandorla with two
rams supported on two elephants hands, all within a border
of flaming wisps and above registers detailed with circular
motifs, lotus petals and keyfret adorning the base, all against a
ground of dense lotus scrolls issuing from two vases raised on
stands flanking the figure, each vessel rendered with a broad
rounded shoulder and decorated on the exterior with petal
lappets, the scene further adorned with ruyi-shaped cloud
scrolls flanking the base of the deity, traces of gilding and red
pigment
49 by 34.3 cm, 19¼ by 13½ in.

PROVENANCE

Acquired in San Francisco shortly after 1945.
Christie’s New York, 22nd March 2007, lot 226.

HK$ 8,000,000-12,000,000
US$ 1,030,000-1,540,000

222 SOTHEBY’S 蘇富比