A bronze figure of Amitayus, Central Tibet, late 17th-early 18th century , crafted in the imperial revival style of Tibetan art, seated in dhyanasana on a high rectangular formed pierced platform, the hands folded to the lap in dhyana mudra, the hair pulled in a high chignon, wearing long flowing robes draped over one shoulder and spilling over the front of the base 11.2cm high Comparable examples can be found in Von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, vol. 2 清乾隆 铜金长寿佛The height is 19.5cm high, not 11.2cm as stated.The Buddha dates to the Qianlong period.This finely cast gilt bronze figure depicts Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life and Eternal Light (Ch: Wuliangshoufo; 无量寿佛) seated upon a tapering rectangular throne with drapery over its front and foliate corners, in the gesture of meditive composure, dyanasana.This piece is a characteristic example of the 10,000 mass produced by the Qing court to celebrate the Qianlong Emperor's sixtieth birthday, as well as the birthday of the Empress Dowager.Besides its stylistic features, this is coroborated by the inscription that is written across the base of the figure's throne, which reads:Daqing Qianlong gengyin nian jing zao ('Respectfully made in the gengyin year of the Qianlong period in the Great Qing dynasty'), corresponding to 1770.Whilst now lost, the figure would have originally cradled the amrita jar in his hands, containing the nectar of immortality. Similarly, the figure would have originally been framed by an ornate mandorla (halo) at his behind, as well as a separately cast tiara.Traces of polychrome are evident on the figure's face; with blue pigment on the hair and white pigment on the eyes. This therefore indicates a possible Tibetan provenance, or ritual usage in a setting with Tibetan cultural influence.There also seems to be a layer of red lacquer coated over the bronze, which will have given depth to the originally gilded surface.