A parcel-gilt bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha, Ming dynasty, 16th/17th century | 明十七世紀 局部鎏金銅釋迦牟尼佛坐像

The historical Shakyamuni Buddha is envisaged in this statue seated in dhyanasana at Bodh Gaya in eastern India, having vowed to remain in meditation to penetrate the mystery of samsara. He was interrupted by the demon hordes of Mara, the 'lord of the senses'. The Buddha overcame their attempts at seduction and distraction, and in defiance moved his right hand from the meditation position to touch the ground before him. The gesture, bhumishparsha mudra, signifies the moment of triumph over Mara in calling the earth spirit to witness his claim to enlightenment.

A related gilt-bronze figure of slightly larger size, attributed to the Ming dynasty, was sold at Christie’s London, 13th December 1982, lot 686. See two further bronze figures sold in our New York rooms, 19th November 1986, lot 105; and the other, 6th November 1981, lot 48.