A Nepalese or Tibetan gilt copper alloy figure of a bodhisattva15th centuryDepicted seated in royal ease atop a double-lotus pedestal with beaded borders, face rendered with a benevolent expression accentuated with lowered eyes and a gentle smile, the pendulous earlobes adorned with ornate wheel-shaped earrings, under an elaborate five-leaved tiara, fine necklaces and scarves draped across the body, flanked by multi-stemmed lotus, baseplate incised with a double vajra.
H: 8 1/4 in.PROVENANCE Acquired by the present owner from the estate of Dr. James Stresen-Reuter, Atlanta, Georgia, who probably acquired it in the 1960s to 70s.
NOTE: the present work, closely relates to the gilt bronze buddhist figures of the Yongle reign, with elegant sinuous form, elaborate jewelry and deeply articulated draperies, all atop a relatively tall double lotus base with attenuated petals. Unlike the works attributed to the Beijing imperial workshops, the lips of the bodhisatva and the treatment of the hands are accorded a different treatment. This together with the unusual pose and the red-brown copper alloy may suggest a Nepalese or Tibetan origin, cast by Newari artisans.