Northeastern India or Tibet, 12th/13th century

This small but exquisite early bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni displays a unique combination of stylistic features that suggest influences from both Tibet and northeastern India. The modeling of the body with broad shoulders and inflated chest which narrows at the waist, as well as the inlay of precious metals to accentuate the hem of the sanghati, are comparable to Pala school sculpture from India (see U. von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Vol. 1, India and Nepal, Hong Kong, 2001, pp.266-267, cat no.85c). However, the very rounded shape of the head and facial features are more similar to Tibetan examples from the period, as is the greenish hue of the metal (see U. von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p.172, cat.no. 30B). While it is difficult to say for certain from which culture this work originates, it is undoubtedly the creation of a skilled artist, commissioned by a wealthy patron with the means to include costly silver and copper inlay.