Ming Yongle Period Gilt‑Bronze Rahula Protector Deity

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 35 cm (13.78 inches), Weight 7100 g, Inscription: "Gifted during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty". Condition and Provenance: This Buddha statue is well-preserved, with a thick bronze body and heavy gilding, showing natural wear. The face and beard retain their original paint. There is no major damage or loss, only minor early restorations. The base is gilded and engraved with a double vajra motif. Formerly owned by a private collector in Los Angeles, California. Purchased in Lhasa, Tibet in 1971, it has been passed down through the family and has never appeared at public auction. Description: A fine gilt bronze Rahula statue from the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, produced in the imperial workshop. The deity wears a multi-layered wrathful crown, with many arms holding a bow and arrow, a bell, and other ritual implements. The abdomen is decorated with a fierce protector's face in relief, the lower body is decorated with dragon scale patterns, and the feet are animal feet, standing on a square mountain-shaped base. The entire piece is decorated with exquisite engravings, and the majestic wrathful face is lifelike. The bottom is inscribed with the words "Gifted during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty." Rahula is an important guardian deity in Tibetan Buddhism. This Buddha statue is well-preserved, of moderate weight, and is a fine example of Ming Dynasty Tibetan imperial Buddha statues that has survived to this day.

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