A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF VAIROCHANA MING DYNASTY, DATED 1439 AD

seated in dhyanasana and in bhumisparshamudra on a high double lotus petal pedestal, wearing a shawl and dhoti, its loose folds falling over his crossed-legs and left shoulder in undulous folds, his arms set with bejewelled bangles, armlets and earrings, the full face with a serene and gentle expression, a fine eighth leaf diadem surrounding a high chignon, the front of the base with a seventeen character inscription reading 'Made by order Chang-jing, Buddhist priest of the Jinchuan Buddhist monastery who subscribed money, in the year jiwei of the Zhentong reign (1439)'

This rare dated bronze is in very good overall condition for its age and has only minor rubbing and scratches to the gilding. There is a very minor 3mm split to the back of the base at the lowest point. The base is open.
"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."

The inscription on this figure reads and can be translated as follows: Da Ming Zhengtong jiwei Jinchuan bei Qiu Changjing juanzi ming gong zao.

Manufactured on the orders of Qiu Changjing from the north of Jinchuan, who donated it in the jiwei year of the Zhengtong reign (equivalent to 1439 AD) of the Great Ming dynasty.

Vairochana, the Illuminator, is one of the five Jina 'Victorious' Buddhas that contribute transcendental insight towards the state of enlightenment. Vairochana, together with Akshokya, Amoghasiddi, Amitabha and Ratnasambhava are invoked to dismiss delusion and ignorance, envy and jealousy, lust, greed, and pride. The number five also represent the five directions, the five significant moments in the life of Buddha and the five senses. Vairochana is believed to dwell in Arupadhatu, the Heaven Beyond Form, hence is seen as the Cosmic Buddha, the embodiment of the Historical Buddha and his dharma.

Seated in the monk-like dhyanasana pose with the right hand reaching forward in the bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture that is associated with the historical Buddha Shakyamuni's unshakable resolve in his quest for enlightenment. His gentle gaze gives what is known in Buddhism as the 'indefinite radiance'.  

A closely related figures seated in the same pose with his hands in the same mudra was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 17^th November 1988, lot 231; and another was sold at Christie's London, 6^th June 1994, lot 28.