Lot 371 , A Sino-Tibetan gilt and polychrome bronze seated figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, 17th/18th century, H. 16.5cm

A Sino-Tibetan gilt and polychrome bronze seated figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, 17th/18th century, on a double lotus throne, H. 16.5cm
Estimate £600-800

Provenance - The Pestalozzi International Foundation collection of Tibetan thangkas, Buddhist figures and ritual objects.

In 1947, the British Pestalozzi Children's Village association was founded by Dr Henry Alexander - a German, Jewish, refugee who moved to the UK before the Second World War - and Mrs Mary Buchanan - a British sociologist. In 1959 the organisation opened a 170 acre property in Sedlescombe, East Sussex to house and educate children from displaced persons camps in Europe at the end of World War II.
In 1963, twenty-two Tibetan students, along with their house parents, arrived at the village. In 1967/68 saw the last of the European students at Pestalozzi and from that point students from Tibet, India and Nepal - amongst other countries - began to arrive. The Tibetan children and their house parents rescued Buddhist thangkas (paintings) and relics from the local temples during the upheavals of the 1960s which are included in this sale. The collection also includes Buddhist figures of deities from China, Burma and Thailand. The funds raised will help Pestalozzi to continue to offer educational scholarships to children from under-privileged countries.

There is some wear and pitting to the gilding and red pigment. There two holes to the casting at the back of the figure and some possible old repairs to the back of the base at the edge. The engraved base panel may be an old replacement, otherwise in reasonable condition.


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 £1,300