A GILT-BRONZE SEATED FIGURE OF BUDDHA MING DYNASTY, 16TH / E...

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Estimate

£30,000 - £50,000

Fees

A GILT-BRONZE SEATED FIGURE OF BUDDHA
MING DYNASTY, 16TH / EARLY 17TH CENTURY
铜鎏金释迦摩尼坐像明十六/十七世纪
A bronze Buddha seated in dhyānāsana, the right hand lowered in bhūmisparśa mudra and the left resting in the lap in dhyāna mudra, the Buddha wears a serene, meditative expression with downcast eyes beneath gently arched brows and a faint smile.

The robes, finely incised with scrolling lotus and cloud motifs, are covered in rich red lacquer and retain extensive gilding to the flesh and borders of the garment, creating an elegant polychrome contrast. The drapery falls in graceful folds across the body and is tied with a knotted sash at the waist. A cast wan (swastika) emblem is centred on the chest, symbolising auspiciousness and the eternal Dharma.

The surface bears an patina, with areas of wear consistent with age and devotional use. The reverse is plain, with original apertures for consecration still visible. The combination of gilt bronze, lacquer and refined incision reflects the high quality of Buddhist sculpture produced under imperial or temple patronage during the Ming dynasty, 15th/16th century.

36.5cm high

PROVENANCE: From the collection of Florence Hunter (1890-1976), acquired by her post second world war and thence by descent

NOTE:
For a closely related gilt-bronze lacquered figure, see the example sold at Sotheby’s New York, 17 September 2025,lot 197

NOTE FROM THE FAMILY:
This fine cast Buddha is a family heirloom from my grandmother Florence Hunter, Florence was primarily a landlady but she had a more interesting side to her with her love for Asian art and a interest for the Theosophy movement. This buddha was acquired by her post Second World War. I remember gazing at this Buddha, mesmerised as a child in her Georgian home in Clifton, Bristol. Florence thought of herself as a clairvoyant and had a home full of beautiful antiques. The Buddha was then past onto my mother, Elizabeth Hunter, a famous artist who studied at the Slade. Elizabeth also practised Buddhism throughout her life and hosted the first Sakuya Buddhist groups in Bristol in her basement in 1970’s.