A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AMITAYUS QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY |

seated in vajraparyankasana with the hands held in dhyana mudra and supporting a bumpa containing the elixir of longevity, the face with a serene expression framed by an ornate foliate five-point tiara set to either side with a billowing upswept sash, wearing a dhoti with finely chased foliate borders draped about the legs in soft, rhythmic folds, raised on a double-lotus base, sealed with a copper plate incised with a vishvavajra

The Chang Foundation Collection.

Jintongfo zaoxiang tulu/Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Taipei, 1993, pl. 19.

In overall good condition. The inlaid stones lost but the vessel present, reattached with clear adhesive. The lotus base likely once had sash ends, now lost; traces remain. The base plate likely once removed, but present, with a spot of white residue. Overall with wear to the gilding and minor pitting typical of age. A few traces of blue pigment still in the hair.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Bronze depictions of the Buddha of Infinite Life typically include the ritual vessel bumpa held in the deity's hands, as seen on the present example. During Buddhist rituals these vessels were filled with sacred flowers or peacock feathers, as it was believed they had the power to cleanse evil from the hearts of practitioners. The vases were also used during longevity rituals, whereby the vase was filled with water that could be consecrated and transformed into an elixir of immortality by devotees who evoked Amitayus' name.