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

the figure seated high on a double lotus petal pedestal, with his hands clasped in front of him in dhyanasana probably to hold the kalasha, the vase of immortality (now missing), wearing a patterned shawl and dhoti, its loose folds falling over his crossed-legs in undulous folds, with a billowing scarf around his shoulders and arms falling to the base, the torso bare, wearing a beaded necklace and bejewelled bangles, armlets and earrings, the elegant face with gentle features framed by a five-leaf diadem surrounding a high chignon, inlaid with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli stones

The overall condition is quite good. The kalasha (vase of immortality) is missing, as is the jewel on top of his head. There is light wear to the gilding along the body. The base plate is missing. The gilding is in very good condition with minor losses of the jewels on the necklaces and crown. The ribbon on the right side of the crown has been broken and restuck.
"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."

The present finely cast figure of Amitayus belongs to a small group of deity sculptures produced during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor who was a devote follower of Tibetan Buddhism.  Figures in this group are all of similar size, depicting Amitayus seated on a double lotus petal pedestal with a serene facial expression and embellished with colourful semi-precious stone jewellery characteristic of imagery used by Tibetans.  Buddha Amitayus (The Deity of Infinite Life) is associated with the rites that ensure a long life. He is closely connected with Amitabha, the Deity 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.  They also believe that with the help of Amitayus' life extending energy, one can achieve self-enlightenment and the welfare of others.

Compare two closely related figures of seated Amitayus illustrated in Ullrich van Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 152, pls. 152A and 152B where it is noted that the application of coloured beads indicate that images of this type were made for Tibetan Buddhism.  See also two richly gilded figures decorated with semi-precious stones published in Zhongguo Zang quan fojiao diaosu quanji, vol. 2, Beijing, 2002, pls. 208 and 209; a figure sold in these rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1547; and another sold in our London rooms, 12th May 1989, lot 518.  Another comparable figure of Amitayus, in the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, is illustrated in Rose Lee, 'Chinese textiles related to Tibetan Buddhism in the Hong Kong Museum of Art', Arts of Asia, July-August, 1995, p. 72, fig. 5.

Finely cast and richly embellished figures of this type were commissioned by the Kangxi emperor as a gift, possibly for his grandmother or for the Tibetan hierarchy to be installed in one of the many Tibetan Buddhist temples in the capital.  They belong to a select group of Buddhist figures made in the Imperial foundry, amongst which one, cast on the orders of the Kangxi emperor for his grandmother's birthday in 1686, is illustrated in Cultural Relics of Tibetan Buddhism Collected in the Qing Palace, Hong Kong, 1992, pls. 1-2.  Amitayus figures in a similar style continued to be made during the reign of Kangxi's grandson, the Qianlong emperor. It was during the Qianlong period that the popularity and worship of Amitayus increased substantially due to Qianlong's self-identification with this deity.  For an example of a Qianlong figure of Amitayus see one sold in our New York rooms, 22nd September 2005, lot 50.