18th Jan, 2025 10:00
Fine Asian Art Auction
35
A LARGE SILVER AND COPPER INLAID BRONZE FIGURE OF SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA, TIBET, 15TH CENTURY
Dimensions: Height 15,7 cm / Wide 11,2 cm Depth 7,8 cm
Weight: 925,4 grams
Exquisite bronze Buddha statue represents the Enlightened One seated in the bhūmisparśa mudrā (earth-touching gesture), a symbolic pose depicting the moment of Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The figure sits atop a double-lotus pedestal adorned with intricate details and a stylized floral pattern at the base. The urna, ushnisha, and serene facial expression reflect the traditional iconography of Buddhist art from the Himalayan region. The underside of the base bears an engraved double-vajra (visvavajra), a sacred symbol in Tibetan Buddhism. Dressed in a robe draped loosely over the left shoulder partially revealing the chest, with wonderful old copper inlays.
The iconographic form in which the historical Buddha is seated, with his right hand in the earth-touching position, bhumisparsha mudra, recalls a momentous episode from his spiritual biography in which he triumphs over Mara just prior to his enlightenment. Having vowed to remain in meditation until he penetrated the mystery of existence, Shakyamuni was visited by Mara, a demon associated with the veils and distractions of mundane existence. The Buddha remained unmoved by all the pleasant and unpleasant distractions with which Mara sought to deflect him from his goal.
Sold for €6,875
