† A MAGNIFICENT GROUP OF EIGHT CORAL AND TURQUOISE INLAID GILT COPPER FIGURES OF THE EIGHT GREAT BODHISATTVAS, TIBET, 20TH CENTURY
Lot 54 - HS1225

Each finely cast, seated in lalitasana atop a beaded double-lotus base, the hands variously held and clasped around their respective attributes, wearing tightly clad dhotis with foliate-incised hems pooling elegantly at the feet, and a billowing celestial scarf framing the shoulders and arms. Their lithe bodies generously adorned with minutely beaded jewelry inlaid with turquoise and coral. The finely cold-painted faces bearing serene expressions marked by sinuously lidded eyes, gently arched brows, and red-painted lips forming subtle smiles, flanked by long pendulous lobes suspending circular floral earrings. The blue hair pulled up into a high chignon topped by a foliate finial behind a five-leaf tiara. The bases sealed with copper plates incised with double vajras. (8)

Provenance: From an important private collection in New York, United States.
Condition: Good condition with wear and casting irregularities. Some rubbing to gilt and pigment, scattered nicks and scratches, surface abrasion, minor dings, and expected losses to inlays—some possibly replaced.

Weight: 2,530 g - 2,902 g
Dimensions: Height ca. 22.5 cm (each)

The Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Aṣṭa Mahābodhisattva) are the principal attendants and emanations of the Buddha, often depicted surrounding him in Mahayana and Vajrayana art. They embody different aspects of enlightenment and compassionate activity:

1. Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin / Chenrezig) — Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
2. Mañjuśrī (Wenshu / Jampelyang) — Bodhisattva of Wisdom
3. Samantabhadra (Puxian / Kuntu Zangpo) — Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue and Practice
4. Maitreya (Cishi / Jampa) — Bodhisattva of Loving-kindness and the Future Buddha
5. Kṣitigarbha (Dizang / Jizō) — Bodhisattva of the Earth, Protector of Beings in Hell Realms
6. Ākāśagarbha (Xukongzang / Namkhai Nyingpo) — Bodhisattva of Infinite Space and Wisdom
7. Sarvanīvaraṇaviṣkambhin (Chugu Zhangfu) — Bodhisattva who Removes All Obstacles
8. Vajrapāṇi (Jingang Shou / Chagna Dorje) — Bodhisattva of Power and Protector of the Dharma

In 10th-13th century India there were several praises (stotra) composed by scholars and devotees glorifying the deeds of their favorite bodhisattva from Sutra literature. Tibetan tradition follows these various praises with four bodhisattva in particular being regarded as the most important; Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani and Maitreya. Depictions of the eight bodhisattva are most often non-iconic and follow the artistic traditions of the time, art school, or choices of the artist. Later traditions began to combine Tantric iconography with the non-iconic imagery of the Mahayana Sutra Bodhisattvas. For example Manjushri would be depicted as orange in color and holding a sword in a variety of relaxed postures. Avalokiteshvara would be white in color and holding a white lotus flower.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related gilt-metal group depicting the Eight Great Bodhisattvas and Buddha Amitabha, illustrated by Jeff Watt in Himalayan Art Resources, item no. 21294.