rare sculpture de Bodhisattva en bronze doré Sino-tibétain, dynastie Qing, marque et époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

assis en dhyanasana sur une base lotiforme, la main droite dressée en abhayamudra, vêtu d'une longue robe aux bords finement ciselés, arborant des colliers précieux, la chevelure tombant en longues mèches sur ses épaules et coiffée en un haut chignon retenu par un diadème, le visage serein encadré de longues boucles d'oreille, marque à sept caractères Qianlong dans un cartouche rectangulaire gravée à la base ; la base non scellée, restaurations au diadème, vase manquant

Kunsthandel Bodes & Bode, den Haag, 1963
Mevr. A.A.C. Vinkenborg-Condula, Bilthoven
Eigen veiling 28 May 1974, Lot 120

The removable elements of the crown are replaced (visible on the catalogue illustration) ; three of these are missing ; the top of the ushnisha can detach and the tip-end of the flame has a dent ; some expected light wears to the gilding ; the insection of the veil billowing around his right arm is broken and refixed at the level of the forearm ; another smaller section is also cracked ; some original rectangular patches scattered in the metal ; the veil around his left arm has also an old break and maybe a later replacement ; the base is unsealed ; the actual color is convenient with the catalogue illustration.
"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."

This impressive Bodhisattva figure belongs to a well-known series of gilt-bronze sculptures made during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) as gifts for the sixtieth, seventieth or eightieth birthday of his mother Xiaoshen (1690-1777) who was a devout Buddhist. Unfortunately it is not possible to determine the dates of these gifts more precisely. Chinese anals just refer to large numbers of Buddhas and Amitayus Buddhas as gifts for her sixtieth and seventieth birthday.
For its magnificent large size the figure represents a major commission and technical accomplishment instigated and sponsored by Imperial patronage.

Compare a figure of seated Amitayus from the Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam about the same dimensions illustrated in Ulrich von Schroeber, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 546, pl. 155B. See also two richly gilded deaity figures published in Zhongguo Zang quan fojiao diaosu quanji, vol. 2, Beijing, 2002, pls. 208 and 209.
Compare also with same dimensions Amitayus bronze figures from the same serie with seven-character Qianlong marks illustrated in the catalogue of the exhibition Splendors of China's Forbidden City, The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong, Dallas Museum, 2004-2005, pp. 140 et 141.
See also three bronze-figures with seven-characters Qianlong marks of smaller dimensions sold at Christie's Paris, 8 June 2010, lots 311, 312 and 313.