 | | Lot No. | | *** | | Description: | A fine and rare Tibetan gilt-bronze figure of Vairocana, 14th Century. The Dhyani Buddha elegantly seated in padmasana on a double-lotus throne, turning the wheel of the law, wearing an eight-leaf crown, the hair in a high chignon, the elaborate jewellery of beaded necklaces finely inlaid with semi-precious stones, the large striking earrings inset with a single stone within bead work. This fine figure appears to belong to a group of gilt-bronze images that possess a number of unusual but similar attributes. It is surmised that they were the work of specialist Nawari artists, perhaps working in China during the 14th Century, possibly in the Imperial Atelier. There are many features, even the soft and serene treatment of the face, that are reminiscent of the finest Chinese Buddhist images. Reference. Christies Ny, 21/3/2008, lot 616 for a figure decorated in the same manner and probably from the same workshop. Also: Sheila C. Bills, Arts of Asia, Sept/Oct 1994, writing on similar images, Tibet in China - China in Tibet: Bronze Sculptures of the early Ming (1403-1450). The exceptional quality of execution would indicate a high level commission. It displays many outstanding and unique features. While the high chignon directly recalls the Indian Pala style, the drapery and jewellery is executed with exquisite refinement and delicacy, influenced by Chinese idioms. It must be regarded as an immediate precursor of the Yongle style..The Nepalese influence seen in the necklace design, high chignonsand engravings of the dhotis would be consistant with Nepalese craftsmen working within the imperial workshops. Also: see Ulrich von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Visual Dharma publications, Hk, 1981. 20 cm | | Estimate: | *** | | Price: | *** | | Category: | Oriental — Bronze | |
