400 - (R) A CLAY TSA TSA DEPICTING BUDDHA AKSHOBHYA , TIBET, 18TH CENTURY

(R) A CLAY TSA TSA DEPICTING BUDDHA AKSHOBHYA , TIBET, 18TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 11 cm Wide 8 cm Depth 4 cm without base Weight: 409 grams with base A Tibetan clay tsa tsa depicting Akshobhya seated frontally within an elaborate pointed aureole. The Buddha is shown cross-legged on a lotus base, the compact body framed by deeply moulded floral and flame-like ornament. The pale clay surface preserves the crisp impression of the mould in many areas, while wear and small losses soften the outer edges and give the image a visibly devotional character. Tsa tsas were small sacred images made from moulded clay and produced in large numbers for shrines, stupas, pilgrimage sites and private religious use. Their importance lies less in individual sculptural monumentality than in repetition, consecration and presence: a small image could multiply the merit associated with a particular deity or sacred place. Akshobhya is one of the Five Tathagatas and is associated with unwavering, mirror-like wisdom. In a compact votive format such as this, the tightly organised composition of Buddha, lotus and aureole allows the iconography to remain immediately legible despite the modest scale. For lots marked with (R), a 19% VAT is added to the combined hammer price and commission. This VAT is waived for: - Private buyers outside the EU who officially export the items.- Businesses inside the EU holding a valid VAT number, exporting to their home country. Proper export documentation is required to waive the VAT