Chinese Gilt Bronze Buddha with Throne and Torana, Ming

A Chinese gilt bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha dating from the Ming dynasty with a gilt bronze torana and throne. The Buddha sits in dhyanasana on a double lotus pedestal. His hands are in dhyana mudra with his left hand over his right, a highly unusual occurrence in Buddhist art. He wears a decorated robe covering both shoulders and a large, two tier flaming crown featuring a smaller figure of himself. The torana features a typical menagerie of creatures and figures including elephants, sharabha, makara, nagas, and a garuda at the apex, as well as an unusual horse with a flaming wheel, all contained within a flame border. The throne is simple with a bowl of jewels beneath the Buddha's seat. It is supported by a pair of humanoid figures.

Dimensions are: the whole assemblage together measures 16 1/4 inches tall X 8 1/4 inches wide, 41.3 cm X 21 cm. Weight: 2900 grams. All measurements are approximate.

Condition: Gilt wear to all pieces. Areas of loss and breakage to the torana and throne.

Provenance: From the collection of Mr. Williams in Texas. Mr. Williams has more than 50 years of collecting experience in Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, and the Central Plains of China. He has participated in sales around the world including in Hong Kong and throughout Tibet and Europe. This lot was purchased from a Northern California estate auction.

High resolution images can be found here.