Buddha-figure "Tathagata", Tang dynasty

Buddha figure "藥師佛" (yàoshī fó) made of vitreous paste with coloured enamel known as "琉璃" (Liúlí) in Chinese and "colored polish" in English. The Buddha figure is seated on a lotus base, dressed in a robe and displaying all the attributes of Buddhism with a serene expression. In his hands he holds items, a vase or treasure in his right hand and a lotus branch in his left. This piece is remarkable for its excellent quality and patina, with an accumulation of pigments, which have been deposited by worship and created by the passage of time.

琉璃" (Liúlí) is a precious material that was introduced from ancient times via the Silk Road. In China it is considered as one of the most precious materials (gold, silver, jade, coloured enamel, ceramics and bronze), as one of the "Seven Treasures of Buddhism". The main component is lead-barium glass which, because of its risk, was used exclusively for decorative objects. The composition was obtained from the by-products of bronze smelting, which were refined and processed. There were more than thirty colours, including white, sky blue, sapphire blue, peacock blue, chicken fat yellow...).

The Buddha "藥師佛" (yàoshī fó), king of Medicine, eliminates disasters and prolongs life. The teachings indicate that he is transparent, blue like crystal, pure and immaculate, and emits a gentle light throughout the world. It fits the expression of light and purity.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 10.1 x 4.8 x 6.8 cm; Weight: 265 g