TIBET, XVEME SIECLE Il est représenté assis en vajrasana sur une base lotiforme ornée d'un vajra, la main droite en bhumisparshamudra, la gauche repose sur sa cuisse. Il est vêtu d'une robe monastique en cuivre incrustée de mantras en argent et les bords sont incisés de motifs de rinceaux floraux. Le visage serein est surmonté d'un haut chignon, l'urna est incrustée d'argent ; scellée. Haut: 25 cm. (9 7/8 in.)
Important French private collection.
This extremely rare and exquisitely cast bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni is a tour de force of modelling and detailing. The figure can be viewed in the round with the back being as well-finished as the front. It seems that no other examples are published showing the naked body parts of the Buddha just in brass while his full monastic patchwork mantle is executed in copper. The warm and rich colour of the copper on its turn enhances the delicate inlaying of several zinc and brass mantras scattered around. Each is formed as the ‘aum'’ monogram derived from the Indian Lantsha script. The central monogram on the back shows even some further zinc and brass feathery leaf inlays. His inner skirt is secured with a zinc inlaid belt. Important details of his body are inlaid as well, like his forehead with a silver urna, being the symbol of spiritual wisdom, alike his eyes. Further are his eye sides, lips and finger-nails embellished with copper.
The reverse of the base is engraved with an irregular and hardly decipherable dedicatory inscription which the Tibetologist Mr. E. Bock was able to translate as follow:
“Lord Muni and the sixteen arhats [….] to please and rejoy with all desirable objects […]. This was commissioned in order to clear all obstacles for this life and reach Buddhahood in the next for the two [dGa.’ba.re.sa and Tshe.rings.kyab.ma]”.
Both latter names according to Mr. Bock might stand for the commissioners of this fine Buddha bronze. He devoted an article to this Buddha which is available on request.