RARE GROUPE DE BOUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI ENTOURÉ DE SEIZE ARHATS EN ALLIAGE DE CUIVRE POLYCHROME TIBET, XVE SIÈCLE |

Bouddha assis sur un lotus entre ses disciples Shariputra et Maudgalyayana, entourés de seize arhats assis sur des socles lotiformes ornés de mandorles enflammées, Dharmatala, debout en bas à droite, et Hvashang, en dessous au centre entouré par des enfants, deux maîtres tibétains au-dessus assis sur des peaux d’antilope et sur un lotus, tous disposés sur des ramifications, au-dessous, les gardiens des quatre directions, Vaishravana, Dhritarashtra, Virudhaka et Virupaksha sur des lotus et Jambhala assis au premier plan devant, le tout sur le double socle rond lotiforme, un sceau de monastère en soie jaune attaché au dos

Acquired in Munich in 2010.

There is light overall wear to the surface and gilding. The tree slightly leaning backwards. A yellow silk band and a wax seal attached to the base of the tree. The base sealed.
"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."

This rare sculptural representation of Shakyamuni Buddha and the sixteen arhats recalls the configuration of iconography often reproduced in series of thangka paintings depicting Buddha and the arhats together with the Guardians Kings of the Four Directions, and often including the patrons Dharmatala and Hvashang. Few examples are known. A later seventeenth century copper alloy example in the Norton Simon Foundation is published by Pratapaditya Pal in Tibet: Tradition and Change, The Albuquerque Museum, 1997, p. 8, pl. 4. Compare also a similar copper alloy example in a private collection, illustrated in Ulrich von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 492, pl. 140A, misattributed as Amitayus surrounded by arhats.