Lot 42A
China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1800 CE. A Qing Dynasty, hand carved wooden Bodhisattva dressed in flowing robes and decorative shoes, the surface beautifully embellished with lacquer and gilt, holding a medicine bowl in his right hand, his left hand presenting the peace mudra. Wonderful attention to detail manifests in his visage with his downturned almond shaped eyes, thin arched brows, elongated ears, hair in a top knot with human hair attached as facial hair. The bodhisattva sits atop a standing lion adorned with an elaborate, curling mane with seven faces atop the head, and an expressive visage with large bulging eyes painted in black and white with dramatic red highlights, a wide nose with flaring nostrils, open mouth revealing teeth and pointy fangs, and additional curled hair and 'beard' delineated at the chin. Bodhisattva and lion are supported by a red lacquer and gilt rectangular wood throne. An awe-inspiring example created during the Qing dynasty, the last of the imperial dynasties of China first established in 1636 by the Manchus. Size: 25-1/4" x 17" x 7" (64.1 x 43.2 x 17.8 cm)
Depicting a bodhisattva upon a Foo Lion, in addition to its undeniable aesthetic value, this piece embodies incredible iconographic value. A bodhisattva is a sacred being of Buddhism possessing enormous compassion, a selfless individual willing to forego buddhahood in order to assist others in attaining buddhahood for the benefit of all. The lion is a powerful symbol in Buddhism, traditionally associated with strength, regality, and might. The Fu or 'Foo' Lion (often called a Foo Dog) is an imperial guardian figure. Traditionally monumental statues of these guardian lions were erected before Chinese palaces, imperial tombs, temples, and government offices. They were thought to possess powerful protective benefits.
Provenance: Ex private Colorado Collection; ex-Sotheby's.com, New York.
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#110928
- Condition: In relatively good condition with some old cracks and some lifting to lacquer, minor chips, regilded.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |