A PAIR OF SMALL GILT-BRONZE FIGURES OF BODHISATTVAS

TANG AND LATER METALWORK

Details

A PAIR OF SMALL GILT-BRONZE FIGURES OF BODHISATTVAS
TANG DYNASTY

Cast in mirror image, each seated in maharajalilasana on a lotus, one with left arm resting on his left knee and holding a covered jar, the other with right arm resting on his right knee and holding a whisk, an amphora held in the other hand lowered by his hip, both figures wearing loosely draped dhoti and a jeweled necklace, the hair tied in a neat chignon
1¾in. (4.4cm.) high, wood stands (2)

Lot Essay

Compare the similar gilt-bronze bodhisattvas illustrated in Ancient Chinese Arts in the Idemitsu Collection, Japan, 1989, fig. 347; one included in the exhibition, Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Taipei, 1993, and illustrated by James Spencer in the Catalogue, no. 70 ; and a single example from the Frederick M. Mayer Collection sold in our London rooms, June 25, 1974, lot 136