Lot 327 , A large Tibetan bronze seated figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, probably 13th century, height 39.5cm, minor old repairs

A large Tibetan bronze seated figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, probably 13th century, of brown patina, the figure seated in dhyanasana with his hands in bhumisparshamudra, clad in a medallion engraved sanghati, the face with full lips and almond-shaped eyes centred by a tear-drop shaped urna, the hair in curls over the ushnisha and topped with a knop, on a lotus petalled base, height 39.5cm, minor old repairs
Estimate £3,000-5,000

Provenance: Purchased from a Sotheby's Asian Art auction in the 1970's.

This large and impressive bronze bears relation to a type produced in the 13th century, of which numerous examples are preserved in temple collections in Lhasa and published in von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, figs. 322A-F. They were all cast in two parts, not all survived complete with their original bases and the example in this lot may be lacking the lower part of the lotus base.
Compare Bonhams, New York, Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art sale, 17 Sep 2014, lot 11.

Provenance - the actual catalogue for the Sotheby's sale is not available, the indication of Sotheby's provenance purchase comes from the vendor.

There is some old coloured wax around the ushnisha and general old dry paint / wax / lacquer around the Buddha's hair.

There are some casting imperfections to the back of the figure - to the centre of the back and to the back of each arm, which may be later repairs or made in the original casting.

The figure and base are made in two parts and there are imperfections to the join of the figure to the base particularly at the rear which may be original casting imperfections or a later repair. There are some slight losses and splits around the base particularly at the front below the lotus petal decoration and at the very rear of the figure.
Originally we believe this figure would have had a double lotus base so at some point this has been altered or removed. Please see additional photographs on our website.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £11,000