A gilt-bronze figure of a bodhisattva, Tang dynasty

Japanese Private Collection.

This finely cast figure is depicted with an elegant curve to the body, standing on a lotus leaf supported on a blossom, tribhanga, adorned in a long dhoti and fluttering scarves. The cintamani (wish-fulfilling jewel) helps to identify the figure as the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The contours of the slender body are well defined in the contrapposto silhouette and the wet-drapery effect of the clothing, all of which are characteristic of Buddhist sculpture in the high Tang dynasty. The curving form of the deity's torso achieves an almost dancelike movement. This highly recognizable stylistic element of the swayed-hip posture became especially popular during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (712-756), when sculptures in general became more dynamic in their design. Other Tang dynasty gilt-bronze figures of standing bodhisattva of similar precision and quality were sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 12th October 2021, lots 3516 and 3518, from the collection of Jane and Leopold Swergold.