NEPAL, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

This finely cast image represents a smaller version of the classic Dipankara Buddha, the Buddha of a previous age who, according to Buddhist tradition, lived countless aeons before the present world cycle and foretold the future enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. Reverence for Dipankara acquired particular importance in the Kathmandu Valley from the seventeenth century onward, where he became closely associated with mercantile communities as a protector of traders and a recipient of alms.

The present figure captures the deity's beneficent nature with exceptional elegance and refinement. Standing in abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance and protection, Dipankara is clad in a full robe that falls in neatly arranged pleats across his hieratic body. Particularly striking is the sensitively modelled face, which conveys a profound sense of serenity and compassion. Full cheeks, deeply defined eyes, a straight nose, elongated earlobes, and a gently smiling mouth combine to create a visage of remarkable warmth and spiritual presence. Rising above is an impressive crown distinguished by raised bosses that emulate precious gemstones.

Large format processional examples are preserved in the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena (see Pratapaditya Pal, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 2: Art from the Himalayas and China, 2003, no. 68, p. 105). Another comparable figure was sold at Bonhams, New York, 13 September 2011, lot 1005.