A Rare bronze figure of a Bodhisattva
Property from the Estate of Thomas T. Solley
A Rare bronze figure of a Bodhisattva

INDONESIA, EASTERN JAVA, NGANJUK, LAST QUARTER 10TH/FIRST HALF 11TH CENTURY

Details
A Rare bronze figure of a Bodhisattva
Indonesia, Eastern Java, Nganjuk, last quarter 10th/first half 11th century
Very finely cast seated on square plinth balancing a vajra and holding the stem of a lotus flower rising up to his shoulder, the face with downcast eyes in an introspective mood backed by an ovoid halo
4½ in. (11.4 cm.) high
Exhibited
On loan to the Toledo Museum of Art, 1994-2006

Lot Essay

Undoubtedly the single most famous group of Javanese bronze sculpture is the Nganjuk hoard of about 90 bronzes discovered in 1913, later identified as being part of Vajradhatu Mandala. The bronzes are predominantely of two sizes, this belonging to the larger size group averaging 11.1 cm and characterized by ovoid halos. This is an exquisitely cast example displaying a purely Indonesian style unique to this group.

More from Indian and South East Asian Art

View All
View All