Lot 60
60
A large bronze Buddhist Wheel of Law, Dharmacakra
A large bronze Buddhist Wheel of Law, Dharmacakra

SOUTH INDIA, TAMILNADU, CHOLA, 13TH CENTURY

Details
A large bronze Buddhist Wheel of Law, Dharmacakra
South India, Tamilnadu, Chola, 13th Century
The Wheel with sixteen spokes centered by a lion mask medallion, the border incised with a diaper pattern interrupted by two further lion mask medallions above and below and with flaming finials, the reverse incised with a lotus flowerhead in the center encircled by leafy floral scrolls, all supported by two addorsed lions on a square plinth raised on a column with lotus base
27 in. (70.5 cm.)

Lot Essay

The cakra would normally consist of four or eight spokes, representing the four 'moments' in the life of Buddha and the Noble Eightfold Path respectively. The present example might be regarded as a blend with the disk of Vishnu, representing the absolute weapon that conquers passions and annihilates desires.