A RARE LARGE GILT AND POLYCHROME BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA MING DYNASTY

Private collection, Potsdam, Germany (by repute).

The present figure appears to be a member of a series of the Five Transcendental Buddhas, with the 'earth-witnessing' mudra identifying the figure as Akshobya (lit. the Unshakeable or Imperturbable One), the tathagata manifestation of Sakyamuni during his calling of the earth to witness during the Assault of Mara. Various series of the Five Transcendental Buddhas were commissioned by the Ming emperors to be placed in Buddhist temples in the palaces. The present figure of Buddha is remarkably well preserved with the details of the robes showing the influence of contemporary textile designs. The facial expression is that of complete calmness and serenity, typical of Ming sculptures of this type.  

A closely related gilt-bronze figure of Buddha was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28th April 1996, lot 568, depicted wearing a similar robe. Compare another smaller figure sold in these rooms, 5th December 1995, lot 29; and one sold in our New York rooms, 18/19th April 1989, lot 151.