Expert’s note: The gilt double-vajra seal to the base is of particular note, because it is found on most, if not all of the bronze sculptures that are considered Zanabazar's signature pieces by scholars and attributed to the master himself. A closely related double vajra seal can for example be found on the base of a smaller Zanabazar figure of Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, dated 18^th century, sold at Sotheby’s Paris, 15 December 2022, lot 35.

Mongolia, 17^th-18^th century. Seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base with crisply cast beaded rim, his right hand lowered in bhumisparsha mudra and the left resting in his lap, clad in a closely-fitting sanghati with a patterned hem, the folds elegantly draped over the right shoulder and fanning below the ankles. The serene face sensitively modeled depicting downcast eyes with sinuous lids below gently arched brows centered by a raised urna, an aquiline nose above bow-shaped lips, and the hair in fine tight curls over the prominent ushnisha and topped with a gold knop. The seal plate with a gilt and incised double-vajra seal.

Provenance: From a Dutch private collection.
Condition: Good condition with minor casting irregularities including casting fissures, little wear to the gilt, tiny nicks, light surface scratches, few small dents, the alms bowl lost.

Weight: 2.5 kg
Dimensions: Height 20.7 cm

This heavily cast and finely gilt bronze belongs to the Zanabazar artistic school of Mongolia, founded in the 17th century by Jetsun Lobzong Tenpai Gyaltsen (1635-1723). He was an important Mongolian religious figure and personal guru to the Kangxi Emperor. Zanabazar was at an early age recognized by both the Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the Tibetan Lama, Taranatha (1575-1634), and proclaimed the First Jetsundamba, an honorific title. He traveled to Tibet to continue his religious instruction before returning to Mongolia in 1651, bringing fifty sculptors and painters with him in an attempt to establish the Geluk order amongst the Mongols.

During his time as a religious leader of the Khalkha Mongols, Zanabazar oversaw a proliferation of Buddhist art in the region. He is especially known for his visualization and design of gilt-bronze sculpture, subsequently carried out by Nepalese bronze casters, which are widely recognized as some of the finest Buddhist gilt-bronze sculptures created.

Zanabazar bronze sculptures exhibit a cohesive style testament to the vision of the great leader, characterized by richly gilt surfaces overall, finely modeled and smoothly sloping contours with embellishments limited to borders, full figures standing or seated on an elevated double-lotus base, and a minimalist aesthetic that endows the figures with a sense of stability.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 15 March 2016, lot 243
Price: USD 161,000 or approx. EUR 189,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Gilt Bronze Figure of Buddha, Mongolia, School of Zanabazar, 17th/18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of casting and gilding. Note the related size (21.6 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 15 March 2017, lot 229
Price: USD 223,500 or approx. EUR 257,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Gilt Bronze Figure of Buddha Amitabha, Mongolia, Zanabazar school, 17th/18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of casting and gilding. Note the related size (21.5 cm).