CHINE, DYNASTIE MING, MARQUE INCISEE A SIX CARACTERES ET EPOQUE YONGLE (1403-1424)

This superbly cast gilt-bronze figure of Guhyasadhana Lokeshvara is characterized by the indisputable quality of the gilding and its sculpture despite its small size. The presence of the second circular lotus stand under the sealed padma lotus stand could suggest that it was part of a larger sculpture, possibly one of the very elaborate Yongle-period gilt-bronze mandalas with articulated petals which could be closed to form a lotus bud. See the magnificent and iconic gilt-bronze Vajrabhairava eight-petaled lotus mandala, also bearing an incised Yongle reign mark, in the collection of the Tibet Museum, Lhasa.
Bronzes in the Tibeto-Chinese style produced during the reign of Emperor Yongle in the first quarter of the 15th century and bearing his reign mark, are highly distinguished for their unsurpassed craftsmanship, overall refinement and gracefulness. Executed by the Imperial ateliers, they display a highly consistent and uniform style, which evolved out of the influence of the Nepalese artist Anige (1244-1306) at the Yuan court and the close links with Tibet established by the Yongle Emperor. The distinct Imperial style includes double-lotus bases with beaded rims and characteristic facial features with broadened outline, gently arched brows above the lidded eyes and subtle smile, all finished with great attention to detail.