A MASSIVE CHINESE BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI

XUANDE 1426-35

Seated in dhyanasana, his left hand upturned, the right touching the ground, wearing long flowing robes with floral borders, elaborate bracelets, a necklace, a tall tiara and long earrings, his elongated earlobes framing his face with downcast eyes bearing a serene expression, raised on a double lotus throne, the surface with traces of gilding and polychrome decoration, 54cm, 17kg.

Provenance: from the collection of Sir Framjee Dinshaw Maneckji Petit, 3rd Baronet (1901-1983) and Lady Sylla Dinshaw Petit (née Tata), purchased by Sir Dinshaw Petit, along with a jade bowl and a Blance de Chine figure from John Sparks Ltd. in London on the 31st July 1957 for £30, It is described as 'An old Chinese bronze figure of a Bodhisattva, lacquered in black and gold. 18th century.' A copy of this invoice is available.

Cf. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Buddhist Statues of Tibet, vol.60, p.229, no.218 for a figure of Amitabha in similar style. Christie's Hong Kong 31st May 2010, lot 1961 for a similar example from the same period.