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TWO GILT BRONZE FIGURES OF BUDDHIST DEITIES
China, Liao Dynasty
916-1125
One of Buddha Amitabha, the other Avalokitesvara
Both figures stand with each foot resting on a lotus
base, upon a square pedestal - the latter stepped
to a waisted central band with a floral cut out
on each face.
Buddha Amitabha is dressed in long flowing robes
which leave the chest, feet and hands bare. The
right hand is held up to the chest in a version
of vitarka mudra, the gesture of intellectual
discussion, and the left hand holds a scroll in
front of the stomach. The Buddha's face has a contemplative
expression, and the head has elongated ear lobes
and tightly curling knotted hair which rises over
a low ushnisha.
Avalokitesvara is also dressed in long robes exposing
the chest, hands and feet - the right hand in vitarka
mudra before the chest, and the left hand holding
a flaming pearl at stomach level. The chest is adorned
by a necklace - from which are suspended three pendants;
the head bears an elaborate head dress - which rises
over a high chignon - with an image of Buddha at
its center. It is tied at the back of the head,
and ribboned plaits fall over each shoulder.
Height: 7.5" / 19 cm
Similar examples:
The Crucible of Compassion and Wisdom, bronzes from
the Nitta Collection, National Palace Museum,
1987, plate 99.
L'Art de L'Ancienne Chine by William Watson
- Mazenod, Paris 1979, figure 412 - depicting a
Bodhisattva from the collection of the Seattle Art
Museum.
Ancient Chinese Arts in the Idemitu Collection,
Japan - 1989, figure 430.
Guimet Museum, Paris - an identical Buddha
Amitabha.
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