A FINE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA SAKYAMUNI

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A FINE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA SAKYAMUNI
MING DYNASTY

Cast seated in dhyanasana on a waisted lotus base, the right hand lowered in bhumisparsa mudra and the left held across the waist in dhyana mudra, wearing a patchwork dhoti incised with lotus borders open at the chest, the face with a serene expression with half closed eyes and a red bead urna, the hair cast with tight small curls surrounding the usnisa under traces of black and blue pigment, the hands and feet incised with small wheels emblematic of chakras (gilding possibly refreshed)
15 1/4 in. (39 cm.) high

Lot Essay

Cf. the related figure of Buddha in the Chang Foundation, illustrated in Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, fig. 12, where the authors describe the robe as a kasaya, a modest garment made of patches of cloth joined together. In Chinese kasaya is translated as futian (happy fields) hence it is believed that supporting monks is similar to sowing seeds.

(US$60,000-80,000)

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