MONGOLIE, ECOLE DE ZANABAZAR, XVIIEME-XVIIIEME SIECLE

The fine quality of this gilt-bronze figure suggests that it was cast in the workshop of the great Mongolian patriarch and artist Jebstundamba Khutukhtu Zanabazar (1635-1723). The atelier of this Buddhist master succeeded in creating a new concept of ideal beauty by providing the bronzes with an august but profoundly human appearance. The cast bronzes do incorporate Newari and Yongle stylistic elements. Another hallmark of the Zanabazar School is the new and original treatment of the lotus base. Furthermore, perfected proportions characterise those Buddhist bronzes, as can be seen from the current Amitayus. It seems that representations of Amitayus that have survived into our day are exceedingly rare.