A gilt-bronze figure of "Vajrasattva", Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), 15th century.

Figure of "Vajrasattva" in gilded bronze seated in meditation posture "dhyanasana", with serene face, eyes and mouth closed, and with an elongated tear on the forehead or bindi. The hands are in "karana mudra" posture and crossed on the chest. He wears a silk dhoti that covers the lower part of his body and is draped in front. It is decorated with chiseled edges and pendants of gold. On the neck, ears, wrists and head is wearing gilded jewelry with cabochons that would contain carved stones. The jewelry is elaborate and has floral and vegetal designs. The crown with five pointed pinnacles stands out. The hair is gathered in a high updo, which is raised under a lotus topknot, and two long braids fall over the shoulders. On the forehead she has small curly hairs that fall forward. The hair has traces of a blue pigment, surely a sign that this sculpture was venerated.

The base on which it stands is in the shape of a double lotus with a pearly rim and has an inscription engraved on the top in Tibetan indicating "Promote Buddhism". Such inscriptions were made when donating or commissioning a small Buddha figure for a temple, which was considered a pious act that was only accessible to those who could afford it. The gilded and inlaid figures on the surface denote that the figure was of good quality.  In the base it has engraved the Vajrayana symbol in the shape of a cross whose blades have the shape of "dorje" or lotuses, it is a symbol of enlightenment. 

The name "Vajrasattva" in Sanskrit is formed by the words "vajra" and "sattva" that form a Buddhist concept. It is known as "Bodhisattva of universal virtue". These representations are characteristic of the imagery used by Tibetan Buddhism. Emperor Yongle was a devout Buddhist who patronized Buddhist monasteries, art workshops and encouraged a cultural exchange between Tibet and China; as a result, Tibetan-Chinese style artwork depicting Buddhist deities executed with a high level of technical mastery began to be produced. Gilded bronzes were commissioned for personal religious practices and as gifts for the many Tibetan emissaries invited to the court.

Height: 31 cm; Base size: 23.50 x 23 cm; Weight: 5639 g

References:

Christie's "The imperial sale important chinese ceramics and works of art", May 31, 2010, lot 1960.

Christie's, Hong Kong, "Important Chinese Porcelain and works of art", 30 de Noviembre 2020, lote 3018.

Provenance:

European private collection.

Note bidders:

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