元 / 明初 鎏金銅嵌銀釋迦牟尼苦行立像

cast in the form of Shakyamuni Buddha as an ascetic, depicted standing and clasping his hands together in front of his chest, adorned in a loose shawl flung over one shoulder above a loose skirt, intricately cast with full naturalistic treatment of the details, the large boldly cast head with tightly curled hair, an ushnisha on the crown and enigmatically smiling, bewhiskered face with an urna on the forehead above the eyes, the narrowed eyes looking downwards, framed by long pendulous earlobes, his feet bare and his emaciated upper chest and right arm uncovered, the figure completely gilt with the exception of an upper arm band on the right arm picked out in silver, all on a separate, original bronze stand cast in the form of a perforated, rocky outcrop

As visible in the catalogue photos, there is general oxidisation to the surface, and minor surface wear and scratches, especially to the underside of the base. Overall, it is in good condition.
"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."

悉達多太子苦行像在元朝期間甚為流行，見編號224。此尊苦行立像面容慈祥莊嚴，頭上的頂髻表現了悉達多太子尋求到真正人生解脫之道之後的形象，螺髮、白毫更為接近釋迦牟尼的形象。

雖不能排除此像造於明初的可能性，但元朝的特徵也非常明顯。足下的石座非明朝作品所見，其足部較大的比例也正是元朝的風格。鑄造者匠心獨運，心意合一，用無邊之想像力創出如此讓人信服的釋迦牟尼苦行立像。碩大頭部的雕塑雄渾有威力，突出的五官，神秘慈祥的笑容，讓人一見難忘。