A Fine Gilt-Bronze Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha
A Fine Gilt-Bronze Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha. A finely cast and richly gilded bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha, seated in vajraparyankasana upon a substantial double-lotus pedestal. The Buddha is represented with his right hand extended downward in bhumisparsha mudra, the earth-touching gesture recalling the moment of his enlightenment, while the left hand rests gently in his lap in meditation.
The figure is distinguished by its serene expression and beautifully balanced proportions. The face is modelled with downcast eyes beneath finely arched brows, a subtle smile and elongated earlobes, conveying the calm introspection characteristic of early Tibetan Buddhist sculpture. The hair is arranged in tightly defined curls rising into a prominent ushnisha, with traces of blue pigment still visible among the hair curls.
The monastic robe falls gracefully across the left shoulder, its borders enriched with finely worked ornamental bands and scrolling decoration. Particular attention has been given to the hands, the folds of the garment and the jewellery-like treatment of the robe edging. The finely articulated lotus pedestal is arranged in two registers of broad, deeply modelled petals, creating a strong architectural base for the figure.
The surface retains extensive original gilding, now attractively mellowed through age, with areas of natural wear revealing the warm bronze beneath. This combination of surviving gold, darkened patina and traces of pigment gives the sculpture a particularly appealing and authentic appearance.
Of particular interest is the open underside of the sculpture, where old consecration material remains preserved within the hollow body. An old collection label inscribed “C.W. COLLECTION” is also retained inside, providing an important physical record of the figure’s collecting history.
The sculpture is further distinguished by an exceptionally strong European provenance. It formerly belonged to the collection of Madame Françoise Leroy-Laveissière, whose important collection of Asian art was assembled between approximately 1960 and 1990. During this period, Madame Leroy-Laveissière was active as an Asian Art expert at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris and worked in collaboration with the renowned Chinese art specialist Michel Beurdeley. The Buddha subsequently entered the C.W. Collection, as documented by the old collection label preserved within the figure.
The long-established provenance, together with the quality of the casting, extensive surviving gilding, original surface and preserved consecration material, makes this a particularly appealing example of Tibetan Buddhist sculpture of the 15th–16th century.
Tibet, 15th–16th century
Height: 16 cm
Provenance:
Collection of Madame Françoise Leroy-Laveissière, Paris; collection assembled between circa 1960 and 1990, during which period she worked as an Asian Art expert at Hôtel Drouot and collaborated with Michel Beurdeley.
Subsequently, C.M. Collection, old collection label preserved inside the sculpture.
Condition:
Wear consistent with age, including rubbing and losses to the gilding, minor traces of age and old restoration. Original patina and surface preserved. Consecration material remains inside the figure.
