明 銅阿彌陀佛坐像

crisply cast seated in dhyanasana with his hands in dhyanamudra, wearing a sanghati chased with a 'rice paddy' design enclosing lotus blossoms, the full round face with downcast eyes and gentle smile framed by pointed crown, trailing ribbons and large earrings, the uncovered arm adorned with bracelet and armband, the tightly coiled hair covering the head and prominent ushnisha topped with a jewel

There are minor chips to the tips of the ribbons that hang from the figure's crown, and a loss to one end of the ribbon that drapes over the figure's right shoulder. The bottom has been closed with a wooden base plate. The contents of the figure have not been examined. There is a scratch on the neck and minor chips to the tips of the curls. There is general surface wear consistent with age and traces of gilt-lacquer remaining. Overall the figure is in good condition.
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.

Amitabha is a celestial buddha and is the principal buddha in the Pure Land sect, popular in East Asia. He presides over the Pure Land of Sukhavati located in the west, and is also one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, each of whom represents one of the five qualities of the Buddha. Amitabha represents the wisdom of observation, and his symbol is the lotus, which in the present lot decorates the surface his sanghati.

The 'rice paddy' pattern of Buddhist monks' robe originated from their robes being pieced together from discarded or left over fabric. In later periods, the robes were specially made, and some for high ranking monks, were made from luxurious fabric and richly embroidered, but they still retained the look of being pieced together from smaller rectangles of cloth as a reminder of their humble origins.

Images of Dhyani Buddhas differ from images of Shakyamuni crowned as a prince in that the Dhyani Buddhas are not only crowned, but also wear other jewelry such as earrings, bracelets and armbands.

A slightly smaller but similar Ming dynasty gilt-bronze crowned figure with patterned robes was sold in our Hong Kong rooms 17th November 1988, lot 231; and a larger gilt-lacquered figure with similar robes was sold in these rooms, 17th and 18th September 2013, lot 67.