GRANDE STATUETTE DE BHAISHAJYAGURU EN BRONZE DORÉ DYNASTIE MING, XVIE - XVIIE SIÈCLE |

assis en dhyanasana sur un socle lotiforme reposant sur un piédestal hexagonal à balustrade, sa main gauche en avakasha mudra et sa main droite en varada mudra tenant la noix d'arura entre son index et son pouce, vêtu d’une ample robe monastique retombant en plis profonds le long du corps et laissant le torse découvert, le visage serein flanqué de longs lobes d'oreilles (3)

In the family by descent.

The figure is heavily cast, the lotus base and stand cast separately and may have been matched. There is a casting flaw to one of the feet of the hexagonal stand. There is a ca. 27,5 cm large horizontal stress crack running through the width of the upper part to the back of the hexagonal stand. There is light overall wear to the gilding on the hexagonal base and the lotus base. There are traces of red and green pigments to the hexagonal base. There is overall wear to the gilding of the Buddha particularly to his face. There is a ca. 5cm long casting flaw/crack to the centre of the robe where is falls between his legs which has been covered up with a ca. 5x1cm long piece of bronze.
"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."

Notable for its large size and crisp casting, the present figure represents the Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru), as evident by the myrobalan fruit he holds in his right hand. More commonly known as the Medicine Buddha, he is considered a healer who alleviates suffering and offers solace to the afflicted through the medicine of his teachings which are documented in the Bhaishajyaguruvaiduryaprabharaja Sutra, known as  the Medicine Buddha Sutra in English.  A related figure of a Buddha seated on a lotus flower base of this size, but with his right hand held in blumisparsamudra, was sold in our New York rooms, 23rd March 2011, lot 692. See also a gilt-bronze and polychrome figure rendered with similar mudras to the present, attributed to the Ming dynasty, sold in these rooms, 16th May 2007, lot 43; and a larger gilt-bronze figure rendered with his right hand in blumisparsamudra, attributed to the 17th century, sold at Christie’s New York, 6th November 1980, lot 212.