SOUTHERN SONG DYNASTY, 12TH-13TH CENTURY

Details

A RARE INSCRIBED BRONZE FIGURE OF KSITIGARBHA
SOUTHERN SONG DYNASTY, 12TH-13TH CENTURY
The bodhisattva is shown seated in dhyanasana atop a double lotus base on an octagonal platform with ruyi-shaped openworks. He holds a jewel on his right hand and wears loosely draped robes that expose the chest, which is spanned by necklaces. The separately cast lotus base is incised with a dedicatory inscription bearing a cyclical date renzi, corresponding to 1132, 1192, or 1252.
6 5/8 in. (16.6 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in New York in 1995.

Brought to you by

Michael Bass

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

Ksitigarbha, known in China as Dayuan Dizang Pusa and in Japan as Jizo, is a bodhisattva revered for his compassion for all beings, including those who reside in the hell-realms. While in earlier eras, he was depicted as a traditional bodhisattva, by the Song dynasty, he was usually represented as a Buddhist monk with shaven head. He is often shown holding a wish-fulfilling jewel (cintamani), as he is in the present example, and a monk's staff.

The result of Oxford thermoluminescence test no. 581w51 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

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