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Lot Essay
Bhumisparshamudra (the 'earth witness' gesture) is reserved for images of Buddha Shakyamuni and the Dhyani Buddha, Akshobhya. As Shakyamuni is traditionally depicted as an unadorned ascetic, the presence of the crown on this figure identifies him as Akshobhya. The latter is a concept of Tibetan-style Vajrayana Buddhism, which was introduced to China during the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368).
A very similar bronze figure of Akshobya Buddha is in the collection of the Wanshou Temple in Beijing. The temple was built in 1577 during the Wanli period and later became and important place for birthday celebrations for the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Wanshou Temple now houses the Beijing Art Museum, which was founded in 1985.
A very similar bronze figure of Akshobya Buddha is in the collection of the Wanshou Temple in Beijing. The temple was built in 1577 during the Wanli period and later became and important place for birthday celebrations for the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Wanshou Temple now houses the Beijing Art Museum, which was founded in 1985.