MONGOLIE, ECOLE DE ZANABAZAR, XVIIIEME SIECLE

This is a very fine example of the craftmanship and elegance of bronzes from the workshop originally founded by Zanabazar (1635-1723). He was a religious leader, artist, and master craftsman, produced some of the finest bronzes in the history of Mongolian art. Characterized by richly gilt surfaces overall, finely modelled and smoothly sloping contours with embellishments limited to borders. The full figures are standing or seated on a raised double-lotus base and an un-gilt base sealed with a gilt double-vajra. A minimalist aesthetic casting that endows the figures with a sense of stability, Zanabazar bronze sculptures and examples stemming from his school witness to the vision of the great leader.