The Collection of Alfred E. Mirsky, sold to benefit the graduate student program of The Rockefeller University

A Rare black stone figure of buddha

NORTHEASTERN INDIA, BIHAR, 11TH CENTURY

Details

A Rare black stone figure of buddha
Northeastern India, Bihar, 11th century
Seated upon a double-lotus throne in dhyanasana with his hands in bhumisparsa and dhyana mudras, the hands and feet marked with lotuses, the face with a serene expression, wide nose and elongated ears framed by gracefully delineated brows, with a raised urna surmounted by an ushnisha, the reverse with a devotional inscription
10 7/8 in. (27.5 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in 1968.

Sale room notice

Please note that this lot is being sold for an organization which holds a State of New York Exempt Organization Certificate.

Lot Essay

This sculpture displays exceptional refinement, given its relatively small size. The facial features are particularly remarkable, with the strongly inclined brows, aquiline nose and stylized curls.
The first two lines of the incomplete inscription on the reverse is part of a standard Buddhist dedication; the third line includes the name "Dharmasena," most likely the name of the donar.

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