11th Jul, 2026 10:00

ASIAN ART SALE

 
Lot 46
 
Lot 46 - BRONZE BODHISATTVA SEATED ON A LOTUS THRONE, KASHMIR, 12TH CENTURY

46

BRONZE BODHISATTVA SEATED ON A LOTUS THRONE, KASHMIR, 12TH CENTURY

Dimensions: Height: 26,5 cm Wide 15 cm Depth 5 cm

Finely cast in bronze, the bodhisattva seated in dhyanasana upon a double lotus base, the right hand raised in abhaya mudra and the left originally holding an attribute. The figure wears a tall crown surmounted by a stupa-like finial and is backed by an elaborate aureole incorporating two subsidiary celestial figures seated upon scrolling cloud forms. The serene face displays the elongated eyes and refined features characteristic of the Kashmiri bronze tradition.

The reverse reveals the separately cast openwork aureole secured by an ancient rivet. The surface is covered with extensive malachite-green encrustation interspersed with areas of exposed reddish-brown cuprite patina, creating a striking archaeological appearance. Particularly noteworthy are the richly modeled subsidiary figures, the finely incised decoration of the aureole, and the substantial surviving burial accretions.

The sculpture exhibits many features associated with the bronze production of medieval Kashmir, including the elegant proportions, the treatment of the face, the lotus pedestal, and the distinctive form of the aureole with attendant figures. The heavy mineralized patina and encrusted surface indicate considerable age and long-term burial.

Sold for €1,152