Sold for €23,400
including Buyer's Premium
Expert’s note: The present sculpture dates from the fourteenth or early fifteenth century and is modelled in Nepalese style with the diaphanous robe clinging to the muscular body. The alloy with its rather high copper content and distinct copper-red color, the extra thick casting and the well-defined lotus petals are common traits of sculpture typically associated with the famed monastery of Densatil. Furthermore, close comparison can be drawn with the present lot's squared face, convexly stepped eyebrows, double-lined eyelids and lips, and sinuous upper lid with those of several Densatil figures in public and private collections (see comparisons below).
The relatively simplistic form and lack of ornamentation is not common at Densatil, however, photographic evidence captured by Pietro Mele in 1948 shows closely related Buddha statues set against cast back panels in the fourth tier of the Tashi Gomang stupa. The base of the figure has been resealed with a simple metal plate, a fact that could indicate that it may once have been part of a larger supporting structure, such as Tashi Gomang stupa, from which it was forcibly removed. The many small traces of violence, see condition report below, could further support the theory that this figure may indeed have been one of the victims of the destruction of Densatil during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1978).
Finely cast seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus pedestal atop a stepped plinth, his right hand raised in abhaya mudra above his left lowered in dhyana mudra, the tapering waist wrapped in a sheer monastic robe, gathering elegantly in remarkably well executed folds at his feet and over the left shoulder. His serene face with heavy-lidded downcast eyes below gently arched brows centered by a raised circular urna. His hair arranged in tight curls over the domed ushnisha topped by a jewel.
Provenance: West Berkshire, United Kingdom, local trade. By repute acquired from a private estate.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, showing expected old wear and casting flaws, scattered dents, light rubbing to gilt, tiny nicks here and there. Minor losses, minimal cracks, the fingers of one hand bent back slightly, due to heavy impact. A distinct stress crack at the lower end in front of the figure. The base resealed with a metal plate.
Weight: 3,492 g
Dimensions: Height 26.2 cm
Expert’s note: The present sculpture dates from the fourteenth or early fifteenth century and is modelled in Nepalese style with the diaphanous robe clinging to the muscular body. The alloy with its rather high copper content and distinct copper-red color, the extra thick casting and the well-defined lotus petals are common traits of sculpture typically associated with the famed monastery of Densatil. Furthermore, close comparison can be drawn with the present lot's squared face, convexly stepped eyebrows, double-lined eyelids and lips, and sinuous upper lid with those of several Densatil figures in public and private collections (see comparisons below).
The relatively simplistic form and lack of ornamentation is not common at Densatil, however, photographic evidence captured by Pietro Mele in 1948 shows closely related Buddha statues set against cast back panels in the fourth tier of the Tashi Gomang stupa. The base of the figure has been resealed with a simple metal plate, a fact that could indicate that it may once have been part of a larger supporting structure, such as Tashi Gomang stupa, from which it was forcibly removed. The many small traces of violence, see condition report below, could further support the theory that this figure may indeed have been one of the victims of the destruction of Densatil during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1978).
Finely cast seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus pedestal atop a stepped plinth, his right hand raised in abhaya mudra above his left lowered in dhyana mudra, the tapering waist wrapped in a sheer monastic robe, gathering elegantly in remarkably well executed folds at his feet and over the left shoulder. His serene face with heavy-lidded downcast eyes below gently arched brows centered by a raised circular urna. His hair arranged in tight curls over the domed ushnisha topped by a jewel.
Provenance: West Berkshire, United Kingdom, local trade. By repute acquired from a private estate.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, showing expected old wear and casting flaws, scattered dents, light rubbing to gilt, tiny nicks here and there. Minor losses, minimal cracks, the fingers of one hand bent back slightly, due to heavy impact. A distinct stress crack at the lower end in front of the figure. The base resealed with a metal plate.
Weight: 3,492 g
Dimensions: Height 26.2 cm
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