A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA INCISED MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGLE

seated in vajraparyankasana, the right hand held in bhumisparshamudra, the left in dhyanamudra, wearing a pleated robe draped over the left shoulder and falling in loose folds over his crossed legs, with the undergarment antaravasaka gathered at the chest, the eye downcast in a meditative expression, the long pendulous earlobes pierced with vertical slots, the hair arranged in rows of tight curls covering the domed ushnisha, supported on a rounded trigular double lotus base inscribed 'Da Ming Yongle nian shi', the base unsealed 

There is some overall wear to the gilding, particularly on the chest, face and right arm as visible in the photograph in the catalogue, as well as on the shoulder blade and lower part of the back. There are some patches of green encrustation in areas, but otherwise the figure is in good condition. The gilding on the mark and part of the characters are worn. The base is unsealed.
"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 present gilt-bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha belongs to a special group of Yongle period sculptures of similar size, all depicting the historical Buddha seated at the empowered site of vajrasana  at Bodh Gaya in Eastern India, having vowed to remain in meditation to penetrate the mystery of samsara. The mudra is the bhumishparsha that signifies the moment of triumph over Mara in calling the earth spirit to witness his claim to enlightenment. 

Gilt-bronze figures in this special group bear Yongle reign marks, confirming that they were cast in the Imperial foundries in Beijing on the order of the emperor. These sculptures are distinguished for their craftsmanship and artistic refinement that captures Shakyamuni Buddha in a refined and graceful state. The style, which is uniform and consistent throughout each work, displays a strong Tibetan influence due to the Yongle emperor's close links with the Tibetan religious hierarchy during his reign.

The present statue is defined by the idiosyncratic sculptural manner within the Yongle stylistic parameters. Interestingly, the chest is somewhat rounded and the shoulders show a slight sloping. Furthermore, the face is slightly elongated with small bow-shaped lips, traits of sculptural influence from Indian and Nepal. 

This classic iconography of Shakyamuni Buddha is famously represented in two complete imperial Yongle altar shrines, one in the British Museum, included in W. Zwalf (ed.), Buddhism: Art and Faith, London, 1985, cat. no. 305, and the other from the Speelman collection, sold in these rooms, 7th October 2006, lot 808. Compare also a figure sold in these rooms, 7th October 2010, lot 2142, from the collection of Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter; another sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th may 2007 lot 1436; and a third related figure of Shakyamuni Buddha sold at Christie's London, 11th July 2006, lot 96.