A BRONZE FIGURE OF BODHISATTVA VAJRAPANI, seated in the alert posture characteristic of his images from Indonesia, his right hand in front of his breast and formerly holding the vajra, his left resting on his raised left knee formerly holding the lotus, wearing dhoti, sash with flange at the rear, necklace, the face with downcast expression, pointed nose, elongated earlobes with earrings, three-leaf crown, high cylindrical chignon held together by a band decorated with a floral triangular-shaped emblem, hair falling in thick ringlets on his shoulders and two tresses at the front, a leaf-shaped ring halo is attached to the head with crossed bars, green patina, Java, East Javanese style, 12th/13th Century

Details

A BRONZE FIGURE OF BODHISATTVA VAJRAPANI, seated in the alert posture characteristic of his images from Indonesia, his right hand in front of his breast and formerly holding the vajra, his left resting on his raised left knee formerly holding the lotus, wearing dhoti, sash with flange at the rear, necklace, the face with downcast expression, pointed nose, elongated earlobes with earrings, three-leaf crown, high cylindrical chignon held together by a band decorated with a floral triangular-shaped emblem, hair falling in thick ringlets on his shoulders and two tresses at the front, a leaf-shaped ring halo is attached to the head with crossed bars, green patina, Java, East Javanese style, 12th/13th Century
15.3 cm high (one finger of his right hand and fingers of left hand damaged), on stand

Lot Essay

The iconic type is evidently similar to that of lot 29. Despite its simple ornaments the image appears to be later in time than the previous one. The knot at the back has now assumed a large dimension and the base of the crown is distinctively thick and heavy, bearing ponderous floral ornaments. In spite of the slightly corroded surface, the outlines of the delicate facial features and the powerful modelling of the body can still be seen. The face is broad and reveals indigenous traits. These features are indication of an advanced phase of the East Javanese style.

See colour illustration

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