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Lot Essay
This is a superb example of early Licchavi period sculpture in Nepal as exemplified by gracefully flowing lines and soft features. Cast from copper, the figure displays the elegance of form of post-Gupta sculpture, the dhoti finely incised with textile patterns of the period. The rounded facial features still display a close relationship to the Sarnath style. The flaming halo is most effectively executed and the foliate crown displays a remarkable feature as it bears an image of a standing Amitabha, the spiritual father of Avalokiteshvara.
As is typical for the period, the original fire gilding is relatively thin and now mostly worn, yet the fluidity of form and the warm copper tone is thus even more enhanced.
This bronze favorably compares with the famous eighth century figure of Vajrapani from the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection. The dhoti is similarly secured with a diagonally bound billowing sash and finely incised with linear bands, see P. Pal, Art of Nepal, 1985, fig. S6, p. 90.
Compare also with a figure of Avalokiteshvara with a similar integrated flaming halo, in P. Pal, The Arts of Nepal, 1974, fig. 190, and a further figure bearing a seated figure in the crown, fig. 295. In all occurances of Amitabha in the headdress of Avalokiteshvara it is far less common to display the figure standing as in the present example.
As is typical for the period, the original fire gilding is relatively thin and now mostly worn, yet the fluidity of form and the warm copper tone is thus even more enhanced.
This bronze favorably compares with the famous eighth century figure of Vajrapani from the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection. The dhoti is similarly secured with a diagonally bound billowing sash and finely incised with linear bands, see P. Pal, Art of Nepal, 1985, fig. S6, p. 90.
Compare also with a figure of Avalokiteshvara with a similar integrated flaming halo, in P. Pal, The Arts of Nepal, 1974, fig. 190, and a further figure bearing a seated figure in the crown, fig. 295. In all occurances of Amitabha in the headdress of Avalokiteshvara it is far less common to display the figure standing as in the present example.