明十六 / 十七世紀 鎏金銅普賢菩薩坐像

assis en dhyanasana sur une base lotiforme, tenant un sceptre ruyi dans les mains, vêtu d'une fine robe aux bords délicatement ciselés de rinceaux floraux, retombant en large plis sur ses jambes, la poitrine découverte révélant une parure élaborée, le visage avec une expression sereine, couronné d'une haute coiffe ajourée, la chevelure coiffée en chignon avec quelques mèches retombant sur les épaules, reposant sur une base lotiforme séparée, socle en bois postérieur (3)

The figure and base are cast separately. The figure is finely and heavily cast. It is in very good overall condition. There is very minor overall wear to the gilding. There are small rectangular filled-in patches to the back, both knees and the folds of the robe contemporaneous with when the piece was cast. There are traces of red pigment to the crown, lips and folds of the robe gathering between his feet. The base is in overall very good condition. It is also heavily cast. There is a ca. 4cm long crack to the inner ledge of the base associated with a small casting flaw to one lotus leaf. There is minor wear to the gilding all around the base. The carved wooden base is later added and in overall good condition with the exception to a ca. 20cm long crack to the side.
"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."

Samantabhadra, the bodhisattva of compassion, is considered the manifestation of dharmakaya, the source of all things and the essence to which all things return. He is the first of the Five Dhyani Bodhisattvas and is commonly portrayed together with his companion the Bodhisattva Manjusri to the right of the Shakyamuni Buddha. He is more commonly depicted riding on an elephant. The present figure is rare as the bodhisattva is depicted dressed in princely robes and wearing a bejewelled crown, and holding a ruyi-sceptre, an attribute more commonly assoicated with Daoism. Compare a bronze figure of Samantabhadra sold at Sotheby's London, 11th June 1996, lot 141, and a parcel-gilt bronze figure of slightly larger size, sold Sotheby's London, 11th May 2016, lot 71.