A Silver-Inlaid Bronze Figure of Buddha Shakyamuni | Tibet, 15th Century

Project Description

Description: Bronze, 13.6 cm high
Catalogue note: The historical Buddha, depicted here as the sage of the diamond throne (Tib. thubpa dorje den) is seated atop a double-lotus base, displaying the bhumisparshamudra, or earth-touching gesture, in recognition of his defeat of Mara and his achievement of enlightenment. Bodhgaya, the site where Shakyamuni attained enlightenment, was originally referred to as Vajrasana, and Himalayan sculptors often used the vajra as a visual symbol for this location.The sculpture is emblazoned with a dedicatory inscription in Tibetan Uchen script: This image of Shakyamuni was erected by the patron Konchok Peldzin, chiefly for the welfare of his parents. With this merit, may all sentient beings swiftly achieve Buddhahood. Auspiciousness! Himalayan Art Resources (himalayanart.org), item no. 24480.
Provenance: Acquired from Christie’s, Sale 17347, Lot 607, Invoice no. DB19005295. Property of the Alsdorf Foundation; Sotheby's New York, 26 March 1998, lot 290
Catalogue no.: 2019A0165