A FINE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AMITAYUS QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the figure seated high on a double lotus petal pedestal, with his hands clasped in front of him in dhyanasana probably to hold the kalasha, the vase of immortality (now missing), wearing a patterned shawl and dhoti, its loose folds falling over his crossed-legs in undulous folds, with a billowing scarf around his shoulders and arms falling to the base, the torso bare, wearing a beaded necklace and bejewelled bangles, armlets and ear-rings, the elegant face with gentle features five leaf diadem surrounding a high chignon

Anton Exner Collection (1882-1952).

This large and impressive gilt-bronze is in very good condition with the exception of the loss of the base, loss to several coral, turquoise and lapis inlays on the body jewellery and crown, and very light scratches and minor rubbing and wear to the gilded decoration in particular around the hands and waist.
"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."

Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life, is the deity associated with the rites that ensure long life. It is closely connected with Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, and is thought to preside over the Western Paradise (Sukavati). Amitayus is especially worshipped by the Tibetans who believe that by faith and compassion life can be extended through long lineages. It is also believed that with the help of Amitayus one can achieve self-enlightenment and welfare for others.

The present finely cast and richly embellished figure was commissioned by the Kangxi emperor (r. 1662-1722) as a gift, possibly for his grandmother who was a devote Buddhist or for the Tibetan hierarchy to be installed in one of the many Tibetan Buddhist temples in the capital. It belong to a select group of Buddhist figures made in the Imperial foundry, amongst which one, cast on the orders of the Kangxi emperor for his grandmother's birthday in 1686, is illustrated in Cultural Relics of Tibetan Buddhism Collected in the Qing Palace, Hong Kong, 1992, pls. 1-2. Another gilt-bronze figure from this group is published in Ullrich van Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 152, pls. 152A and 152B, where the author notes that the application of semi-precious stones may indicate that images of this type were made for use by the Tibetans. Compare two further examples from this group included in Zhongguo zang quan fojiao diaosu quanji, vol. 2, Beijing, 2002, pls. 208 and 209; two sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 10^th April 2006, lot 1804, and 9^th October 2007, lot 1547; one in our Paris rooms, 9^th June 2010, lot 161; one in these rooms, 12^th May 1998, lot 518; and one at Christie's London, 13^th May 2008, lot 147.

Amitayus figures in a similar style continued to be made during the reign of Kangxi's grand-son, the Qianlong emperor. It was during Qianlong's reign that the popularity and worship of Amitayus increased substantially due to the emperor's self-identification with this deity. For an example of a Qianlong figure of Amitayus see one sold in our New York rooms, 22^nd September 2005, lot 50.