A gilt bronze stupa

SINO-TIBETAN, 18TH CENTURY

Details

A gilt bronze stupa
Sino-Tibetan, 18th Century
The waisted base of square section with the mid-section decorated in relief with confronted lions flanking flaming pearls, above a stepped plinth with lotus frieze and flowerhead scrolls applied to the lower rim, the domed stupa encircled by makara masks issuing pendent jewels and with the miniature image of Amitabha enclosed in a niche, on a circular stepped plinth between lotus borders, surmounted by tapered parasols flanked by pendent sashes rising to an openwork finial of beaded festoons beneath a sun and moon symbol, the base plate incised with a double-vajra
14 in. (36.8 cm.) high

Lot Essay

Of the eight different types of stupa, the present example belongs to the category of 'Complete Victory,' commemorating Buddha's extension of his lifespan through meditation. The four lower steps on the pedestal symbolize the four immeasurable attitudes: love, compassion, sharing in joy, and equanimity, on the path towards enlightenment.
For the type, compare a Zanabazar workshop example at the Museum of Fine Arts, Ulaanbaatar, see G. Bguin et al., Tresors de la Mongolie, XVIIe-XIXe sicles, 1993, cat. no. 7.