A SMALL DATED GILT-BRONZE BUDDHA

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

Details

A SMALL DATED GILT-BRONZE BUDDHA
HONGWU BINGZI CYCLICAL YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1371, AND OF THE PERIOD

The figure is modelled with legs crossed under voluminous robes, one hand held in front of the body, the other hand resting on one leg, seated on a lotus dias, raised on a hexagonal waisted base, each facet of the base finely incised with a long dedication, including the Bingzi cyclical date, 1371; toghter with a gilt-bronze lion, modelled seated on its haunch, mouth agape, with powerful front paws flexed to support the body turned slightly to one side, possibly Tang dynasty
2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) high (the Buddha) (2)

Provenance

A Japanese private collection
The lion, ex-collection Dr. Oswald Siren, Stockholm

Lot Essay

The dedication on the base of the Buddha image may be translated to read: 'The Zhou family declares the repayment of the 'Four Indebtedness' by special commission of these Buddhist images. This gilt-metal figure, as with the remainder of a group totalling 5,048, is for worship by future devotees. Repectfully made on the auspicious day in the fourth month of Bingzi year in the Hongwu period'.

The 'Four Indebtedness' refers to one's debt of gratitude to parents, masters, country and compatriots.

More from Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All