Lot 79. A gilt bronze figure of Amitayus, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 24.7cm., 9 ¾ in. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 GBP. Lot sold 37,500 GBP. © Sotheby's.

cast seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base, the hands folded in dhyanamudra, dressed in a dhoti with a celestial scarf over the arms, embellished with beaded jewels, the face with serene expression, the hair piled up into a high chignon under an elaborate headdress.

Property formerly in the Collection of Marchese Giuseppe Salvago Raggi.

Note: Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life, is the deity associated with the rites that ensure long life. He is closely connected with Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, and is thought to preside over the Western Paradise (Sukavati). Amitayus is especially worshipped by the Tibetans who believe that by faith and compassion life can be extended through long lineages. It is also believed that with the help of Amitayus one can achieve self-enlightenment and welfare for others.

Gilt-bronze figures of Amitayus of this type, but of smaller size, include one the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Monarchy and its Buddhist Way. Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Implements in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1999, pl. 21; and another holding a vase, from the collections of Willard D. Straight and the India House Club, sold twice at Christie’s New York, 19th and 20th September 2013, lot 1531. Compare also a gilt bronze figure of Amitayus, with jewelled hair and lacking a crown, illustrated in Xia Jingchun, Xia Jingchun cang jintong foxiang [Xia Jingchun’s Collection of Gilt-bronze Buddhist Sculptures], Shenyang, 2000, pl. 90. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 14 May 2014