Lot 3415
  • 3415

A FINELY CAST GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AMITAYUS QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

Estimate
500,000 - 800,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

  • 20 cm, 7 7/8  in.
superbly cast, seated in vajraparyankasana on a double-lotus base between a beaded upper edge and a floral band encircling the foot, depicted with hands held in dhyanamudra and supporting a bumpa, the deity skilfully portrayed with a serene expression below an urna and framed by an elaborate headdress and a pair of pendulous earlobes adorned with ornamental earrings, the elaborate jewellery of the figure accentuated with inlaid semi-precious stones, further rendered clad in loose clothing with finely detailed floral hems and a billowing shawl falling neatly over the lotus base, the front of the base incised with an apocryphal twelve-character reign mark dated to the 5th day of the 10th month of the 10th year of the Kangxi reign (in accordance with 1671)

Condition

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is rubbing to the gilding and other general surface wear. One of the hardstone inlays on the reverse is missing. The bumpa has been refixed to the hands. The dated inscription is later added.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This finely cast figure of Amitayus belongs to a small group of sculptures produced during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor who was a devout follower of Tibetan Buddhism. Figures in this group are of varying sizes and depict Amitayus seated on a double-lotus petal pedestal with a serene facial expression and draped in jewellery embellished with colourful semi-precious stones. Such portrayals are characteristic of imagery used by Tibetans. Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life, is the deity associated with the rites that ensure long life. He is especially worshipped by Tibetans, who believe that life can be extended through long lineages, faith and compassion. It is also believed that one can achieve self-enlightenment and cater to the welfare of others with the help of Amitayus. The current figure is from the same set as other Kangxi figures of Amitayus recorded in museum collections, including one from the Qing court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Buddhist Statues of Tibet: The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2003, p. 238, cat. no. 227.