12TH/13TH CENTURY

The bronze figure of Samvara seems to be unique amongst the known bronze tradition of the Da Li kingdom (8th-13th century). The bronze can however be compared to several published fierceful deities dateable to the latter part of this period. They share similar stylistic elements like a powerful casted body and the way the dhoti, sash and shawl is draped around the body. The bell he is holding is comparable to excavated examples from this Yunnan area. The lotus pericarp, although not yet found with other published wrathful deities, demonstrates the continuing Chinese sculptural tradition of the Five Dynasties (907-960) and even Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is also know that there were links between Tibet and the Yunnan area during the period. It is therefore not surprising that for instance the style of the lotus base can be found in contemporary Tibetan examples dateable to the twelfth century. Based on these elements it is proposed to date this Samvara bronze towards the late twelfth or first half of the thirteenth century.