133 - A SEATED BRONZE FIREGILT BUDDHA TIBET 15TH CENTURY

A SEATED BRONZE FIREGILT BUDDHA TIBET 15TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 14,8 cm Wide 10,5 cm Depth 7,5 cm Weight: 981 grams A finely cast and fire-gilt Tibetan bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, dating to the 15th century. Seated in vajrasana upon an elaborate double-lotus pedestal, the Buddha extends his right hand in bhumisparsha mudra, the earth-touching gesture symbolising his enlightenment, while his left hand rests in his lap holding a small bowl. The serene face is characterised by gently lowered eyes, finely arched eyebrows, elongated earlobes and a subtle meditative smile. Tightly arranged hair curls rise towards a prominent ushnisha, while the elegant monastic robe drapes over the left shoulder, displaying carefully chased borders and finely articulated folds. The rich fire-gilding retains a warm golden lustre, beautifully contrasted by areas of darker bronze patination and natural surface wear. The double-lotus base is intricately modelled with overlapping petals, while the underside bears an engraved crossed-vajra symbol. Combining refined sculptural proportions, expressive facial modelling and richly preserved gilding, this 15th-century Tibetan Buddha exemplifies the spiritual elegance and accomplished metalworking traditions of Himalayan Buddhist art.