A bronze figure of Sarasvati, Qing Dynasty, Pala Revival Style, 17th-18th century
Lot 3110. A bronze figure of Sarasvati, Qing Dynasty, Pala Revival Style, 17th-18th century; 8 1/8 in. (20.5 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 200,000 - HKD 300,000. Price realised HKD 275,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014.
The figure is seated with her ankles crossed on a lotus base over a low throne supported by lions and a kinnari, and her hands are held before her torso as if to play the vina, the Indian lute. She is dressed in an ankle-length, striated dhoti and adorned with various jewellery and a streaming sash. Her face is downcast below a foliate tiara, and her hair is arranged in an interlocking chignon and topped with a jewel. She is backed by a large flaming aureole and nimbus.
Provenance: An old Swiss private collection, acquired before 2000.
Note: The present lot reflects the renewed interest in Buddhism during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). During this period, there was an increased demand for sculpture to adorn the newly-built Buddhist temples in and around Beijing. As a homage to earlier periods of Buddhist activity, many bronze sculptures were cast in earlier Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan styles. The present work includes an openwork throne supported by lions and a kinnari, an Indian mythical creature; this type of throne was popular in early Indian and Nepalese bronze sculpture but unusual in the Chinese context, even amongst revival pieces. The Indian goddess Sarasvati was initially only a Hindu deity, but was eventually absorbed into Buddhism. She epitomizes wisdom and knowledge, and is considered a consort to the bodhisattva Manjushri. As the Qing emperors considered themselves to be incarnations of this bodhisattva, it is thus fitting that images of Sarasvati would have been cast during this period.
Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 26 November 2014