? A FINE BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA, PALA PERIOD, 10TH CENTURY Expert’s note: The present lot, discovered in Sumatra, does not entirely conform to the established stylistic canon of Srivijaya bronze sculpture, although the form of the backplate shows certain affinities with Buddha images attributed to that period (see Zacke, Vienna, 16 October 2025, lot 241). The modeling of the figure, particularly the facial features, ushnisha, robe treatment, and backplate design, reveals, however, a strong influence from the Pala artistic tradition of Eastern India. The rendering of the robe in soft, wavy folds further recalls earlier prototypes from Pophnar dated to the 5th century (see Khandalavala, Karl (1988), The Great Tradition: Indian Bronze Masterpieces, p. 83, fig. 18). These stylistic correspondences suggest that the present image was likely produced under the influence of itinerant monks or craftsmen from the Indian subcontinent, making it a so-called “missionary bronze” that reflects the diffusion of Pala aesthetics across the wider Buddhist world of maritime Southeast Asia.
Eastern India. Superbly carved, standing on a lotus base atop a stepped square plinth, backed by an elaborate composite backplate decorated with blossoms, a beaded band, and radiating scrolling spokes. His right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, the left lowered holding the tip of his robe. He wears a diaphanous garment falling in concentric folds from the shoulders, and his face bears a meditative expression with gently arched brows beneath an urna, flanked by long, pendulous earlobes. The hair is arranged in tight curls over a domed ushnisha.
Weight: 3,916 g
Dimensions: Height 35 cm
Provenance: From an important private collection in London, United Kingdom.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities, some nicks, tiny dents, and surface scratches. A fine, naturally grown, dark patina.
Museum comparison:
Compare a related bronze figure of Buddha, dated to 1050-1100, 17.8 cm (high), in the Norton Simon Museum, accession number F.1972.30.2.S.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 17 September 1999, lot 18
Price: USD 26,240 or EUR 43,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A black stone stele of Buddha Shakyamuni, Eastern India, Pala period, 10th/11th century
Expert remark: Compare the related carving manner, subject, pose, and robe. Note the larger size (62.2 cm) and different material.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 21 September 2007, lot 98
Price: USD 29,800 or EUR 40,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A bronze figure of Buddha seated on a throne, Northeastern India, Bihar, Nalanda style, Pala period, 11th/12th century
Expert remark: Compare the related material, patina, carving manner and decoration of the backplate. Note the smaller size (18 cm) and different pose.
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Gallery Zacke takes care of shipping and quotes postage upon request. The purchased goods are transported at the risk of the customer following handover of the packaged item to the post office or another carrier which the customer agrees to through his/her submission of the purchase order. According to specific wish of the customer, the auctioned goods may be insured for the value of the purchase price (highest bid and surcharge). This insurance fee is 3% of the purchase price.
Terms of Auction
§ 1) The auction shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the rules of procedure of GALERIE ZACKE?, SZA VERSTEIGERUNGEN UND VERTRIEBS GMBH, MARIAHILFERSTRASSE 112, 1070 WIEN (hereinafter referred to as the company) as well as in accordance with sections 244-246 of the GEWERBEORDNUNG [Industrial Code] of 1994. The auction shall be carried out on commission. The auctioneer shall be entitled to withdraw lots exceptionally, to conduct the auction deviating from the order of the catalog numbers and to offer lots jointly. In the event of any dispute concerning a double bid or if the auctioneer has missed a bid, the auctioneer shall be entitled to revoke acceptance of a bid and to continue auctioning the item. The figures stated in the catalog shall be the highest bid in Euro (€) expected by the respective expert. As a rule, the bid shall be increased by 10% of the last bid. (See table of the bidding increments).
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