Lot 14
14
An Important Bronze Figure of the Medicine Buddha, Baishajyaguru
Indonesia Property of a New York City Collector
An Important Bronze Figure of the Medicine Buddha, Baishajyaguru

CENTRAL JAVA, 8TH/9TH CENTURY

Details
An Important Bronze Figure of the Medicine Buddha, Baishajyaguru
Central Java, 8th/9th century
Seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base over a raised plinth, his right hand lowered in varada mudra holding the medicine fruit, the left holding a manuscript and the tip of his garment, his face with a benign expression backed by a round mandorla with flame border and surmounted by a canopy, inscribed on the reverse of the mandorla with a Buddhist creed, covered overall with an attractive emerald green patina
12¼ in. (31 cm.) high
Provenance
Samuel Eilenberg Collection (before 1988)

Lot Essay

The present bronze owes distinct influences to Northeastern Indian bronzes from Nalanda. Of seminal importance as prototypes, small bronze figures of the period were brought to Indonesia by sea, forming the basis of local stylistic evolution. While early Indonesian bronzes are generally of small size, this is of comparatively large size, and no directly related examples appear to be recorded.

More from INDIAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART

View All
View All