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Lot Essay
The Sadaksari deity is also known as the Bodhisattva of Infinite Mercy. Gilt-bronze sculptures of this type are part of a group of Buddhist figures of varying sizes that were produced in the early 15th century that displays influences from Tibetan art. As with the Yuan dynasty, the Ming court maintained close relations with Tibet through diplomatic missions. Buddhist gilt-bronzes such as the present lot were probably made as gifts that were exchanged during these visits. The Yongle Emperor himself was well-known for his devotion to Buddhism, and it was recorded that in 1407 the Emperor invited Halima, the fifth Tibetan hierarch, to officiate a ceremony dedicated to Yongle's deceased parents.
Some examples of similar Sadaksari images have been published, including one figure from the Ducas Collection which was sold at Christie's London, 31 October 1972, lot 51, illustrated by U. von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 521, pl. 146F; another from the Berti Aschmann Collection which was included in the Museum Rietberg exhibition, On the Path to Englightenment, Zurich, 1995, p. 101, no. 53; and one illustrated in Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Chang Foundation, Taipai, 1993, p. 75, no. 30. Compare also to a similar figure of slightly smaller size (15 cm. high), sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 May 2014, lot 3518.
Some examples of similar Sadaksari images have been published, including one figure from the Ducas Collection which was sold at Christie's London, 31 October 1972, lot 51, illustrated by U. von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 521, pl. 146F; another from the Berti Aschmann Collection which was included in the Museum Rietberg exhibition, On the Path to Englightenment, Zurich, 1995, p. 101, no. 53; and one illustrated in Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Chang Foundation, Taipai, 1993, p. 75, no. 30. Compare also to a similar figure of slightly smaller size (15 cm. high), sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 May 2014, lot 3518.