Fire-gilded repoussé. Tibet, approx. 15th until 16th cent.
Elaborately worked in repoussé technique, splendidly crafted ornamental part of a frieze. The center displays a standing Buddhist on an elephant. Bodhisattva Samantabhadra′s posture, as well as his face are impressively animated. His gestures show also the abhayamudra (granting protection) and varadamudra (wish fulfillment). Beside him is a big lotus blossom, behind the head a flaming halo. To his right – far exceeding him in height – is a strange mythical creature with long hind legs, breasts, jewelry necklace and horned head. On its back is a further supernatural creature. In a vertical field at lowest right is a bird human, presumably a kinnara, above four Buddhas, all in padmasana with hand positions of the dharmacakra mudra. Numerous further details, the strong decorative border with beaded ends and big lotus buds. Samantabhadra is not identical to same-named Adi Buddha and is interpreted as "rich in all blessings ", his rare standing version can occur on an elephant. Age characteristics, patina, the fire gilding generally well preserved, mounted on a black wooden base.
SIZE (WITHOUT BASE) approx. 40 x 34 CM
From an old German Tibet collection
鑲金凸紋青銅造普賢菩薩與佛尊椽檐版。西藏,約15至16世紀。大小約40 x 34 厘米。