QING DYNASTY, PALA REVIVAL STYLE, 17TH-18TH CENTURY

The present lot reflects the renewed interest in Buddhism during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). During this period, there was an increased demand for sculpture to adorn the newly-built Buddhist temples in and around Beijing. As a homage to earlier periods of Buddhist activity, many bronze sculptures were cast in earlier Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan styles. The present work includes an openwork throne supported by lions and a kinnari, an Indian mythical creature; this type of throne was popular in early Indian and Nepalese bronze sculpture but unusual in the Chinese context, even amongst revival pieces. The Indian goddess Sarasvati was initially only a Hindu deity, but was eventually absorbed into Buddhism. She epitomizes wisdom and knowledge, and is considered a consort to the bodhisattva Manjushri. As the Qing emperors considered themselves to be incarnations of this bodhisattva, it is thus fitting that images of Sarasvati would have been cast during this period.