A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AMITAYUS QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

cast seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base, the hands folded in dhyanamudra, dressed in a dhoti with a celestial scarf over the arms, embellished with beaded jewels, the face with serene expression, the hair piled up into a high chignon under an elaborate headdress

Hardstones and turquoise inlay is missing from the head-dress, necklace, bracelet and arms, the vessel is missing from the hands, loss to both ends of the scarf, minor dents and nicks to the extremities, and light rubbing and loss to the gilded decoration. 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."

Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life, is the deity associated with the rites that ensure long life. He 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.

 

Gilt-bronze figures of Amitayus of this type, but of smaller size, include one the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Monarchy and its Buddhist Way. Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Implements in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1999, pl. 21; and another holding a vase, from the collections of Willard D. Straight and the India House Club, sold twice at Christie’s New York, 19^th and 20^th September 2013, lot 1531. Compare also a gilt bronze figure of Amitayus, with jewelled hair and lacking a crown, illustrated in Xia Jingchun, Xia Jingchun cang jintong foxiang [Xia Jingchun’s Collection of Gilt-bronze Buddhist Sculptures], Shenyang, 2000, pl. 90.