Enamelled glass Guanyin Buddha, Tang dynasty

Buddha figure made of crystal or glass "琉璃" (Liúlí), enamelled and gilded. The bodhisattva is seated on a lotus flower and dressed in a robe. His face is serene, his ears are large and his hair is short and curly. In his right hand he holds a flaming bowl, and his left hand is in a 'mudra' posture. This piece is remarkable for its excellent quality and patina due to the passage of time.

Liuli (琉璃) is a precious material that was introduced along the Silk Road in ancient times. 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, removes disasters and prolongs life. The teachings say 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, since 1980. 

Height: 20 cm; Base size: 12.5 x 14 cm; Weight: 2486 g