A rare cast-iron seated figure of Amitabha Buddha, Song dynasty | 宋 鑄鐵阿彌陀佛坐像
Auction Closed
November 2, 04:07 PM GMT
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A rare cast-iron seated figure of Amitabha Buddha
Song dynasty
宋 鑄鐵阿彌陀佛坐像
Height 27.5 cm, 10⅞ in.
J.J. Lally & Co., New York.
藍理捷，紐約
Buddhist Sculpture from Ancient China, J.J. Lally & Co., New York, 2017, cat. no. 20.
《Buddhist Sculpture from Ancient China》，藍理捷，紐約，2017年，編號20
This extremely rare cast iron figure depicts Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, who rules over the Western Paradise where the faithful are reborn on lotus blossoms. He is depicted seated with legs crossed in vajraparyankasana, with his face radiating an expression of serene meditation.
The present figure exemplifies the aesthetic sensitivity of Song dynasty (960-1279), when the art of Buddhist sculpture experienced a peak of popularity. Naturalistic in its sensitive rendering of the figure, the full-bodied image is conveyed with aristocratic countenance on the softly delineated face, set in an expression of intense serenity. The treatment of the long flowing robes and face of the divinity, cast in varying levels of relief, produces a dramatic dichotomy between shadow and highlight, captivating the viewer with an impression of realism and deep humanity.
The present figure exemplifies the aesthetic sensitivity of Song dynasty (960-1279), when the art of Buddhist sculpture experienced a peak of popularity. Naturalistic in its sensitive rendering of the figure, the full-bodied image is conveyed with aristocratic countenance on the softly delineated face, set in an expression of intense serenity. The treatment of the long flowing robes and face of the divinity, cast in varying levels of relief, produces a dramatic dichotomy between shadow and highlight, captivating the viewer with an impression of realism and deep humanity.