This image is representative of a group of Buddhist figures made in China in the first half of the fifteenth century that display a style influenced by the art of Tibet. In the preceeding century, under the Yuan Dynasty, the authority of Mongol rulers had become closely associated with Tibetan Buddhist, or lamaist, ritual. A tradition of lamaist art was established in China which seems to be carried on in work such as the present example. Missions to Tibet during the early part of the Ming sought to maintain good relations with the Tibetan lamas. Images such as this one appear to have been made as gifts, as the inscription would seem to indicate, that were exchanged on these missions. Closely related objects remain in the collections of the Jekhang and Potala Palace, in Lhasa. See Wenwu 1985, no. 11, pp. 66-71; also, Ulrich von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, pls. 144-148. See also the figure in the same pose, wearing similar robes and jewelry sold Christie's London, June 6, 1988, lot 121