Lot 298
  • 298

Importante statue de Bouddha Shakyamuni en bronze doré Tibet, XIVE/XVE siècle

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 EUR
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Description

  • Gilt-bronze
assis en vajrasana, sa main gauche en avakasha mudra et sa main droite prenant la terre à témoin en bhumisparsa mudra, le visage aux yeux baissés illuminé d'un doux sourire esquissé de ses fines lèvres délicatement ourlées, les cheveux densément bouclés relevés en un haut chignon surmonté de l'ushnisha et orné d'un joyau cintamani, simplement vêtu d'une robe diaphane ornée d'élégants motifs incisés moulant son torse, entièrement recouvert d'une riche patine de temple dorée à l'exception de sa chevelure, formé de quatre parties se rejoignant au cou, du poignet gauche et du haut du bras droit, socle en bois (4)

Condition

The figure is in overall very good condition considering its large size and age. The large and very heavy figure was cast with the head, the figure's right arm up to the elbow and the figure's left hand cast separately and joined to the neck, elbow and arm with small pegs (visible in the catalogue illustration). Two of these pegs to the back of the neck are broken and the head is loose though still attached by the remaining metal pegs. The gilding is rich and patinated to a soft tone. There is some wear to the gilding particularly across the figure's left leg, his left arm, the ears and the ridges of his eyebrows, nose and lips. The figure is open and is missing its base. There is a double wooden lotus base that was made in the early part of the 20th century.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This important Tibetan gilt bronze depicts the historical Buddha Shakyamuni reaching forward with his right hand calling the earth to witness his triumph over the assaults and temptations of the demon Mara, just prior to his fabled realisation of enlightenment. The Buddha is modelled in the classic early Tibetan style drawing on eastern Indian artistic traditions. The meditative and compassionate countenance with pronounced eyes and lips, the authoritative poise enhanced by broad shoulders and swelling chest are features reminiscent of Pala period sculpture of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, such as bronzes found at Kurkihar and Fatehpur, Bihar, compare examples illustrated in Ullrich von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, pp. 286-7, pls. 71A-C. For a Tibetan example dated circa 1300 in this adapted eastern Indian style and now in the Shalu monastery, Tibet, see Ullrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, Vol. II, p. 1190, pl. 322B. Other sculptures in this style are more frequently seen in plain or inlaid copper alloy rather than fire-gilt copper like the present example, thus enhancing the rarity of this imposing early Tibetan Buddha.