A Large Gilt Bronze Figure of Akshobhya

NEPAL, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Large Gilt Bronze Figure of Akshobhya
Nepal, 19th century
Seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base with an inscription running along the lower rim and backed by a flaming torana and halo, his right hand in bhumisparsa mudra and his left in dhyana mudra cradling a vajra, clad in a robe with broad borders incised with a floral motif and Tibetan letters on the back, his upper chest bare and his eyes centered by a large urna inlaid with a hardstone, the hair in tight knots
20 in. (51 cm.) high

Provenance

Hong Kong art market, before 2000

Lot Essay

The inscription reads, "To the Lord Bhagavan Buddha Akshobhya, I the Lady Nordzin Wangmo bow and go for refuge," indicating that the present example was commissioned by a noble lady of Shigatse or Lhasa for the purpose of purifying her defilements. The donor would have personally offered the hardstone in the urna, as it is customary for Tibetan women to offer a precious stone from their own jewelry to be placed on the sculptures commission.

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