AN EARLY BRONZE SCULPTURE OF GWANSE'EUM BOSAL (AVALOKITESHVARA), GORYEO DYNASTY

拍品描述

AN EARLY BRONZE SCULPTURE OF GWANSE'EUM BOSAL (AVALOKITESHVARA), GORYEO DYNASTY Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 3 March 2025, based on sample number N125b49, sets the firing date of the sample taken between 500 and 750 years ago, consistent with the dating of this lot. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. Korea, 13th-14th century. Finely cast standing with the right hand raised in vitarka mudra and the left hand lowered holding a precious vase. The figure is dressed in layered robes gathered around the slender waist and falling in graceful U-shaped pleats above the feet. Long sashes drape across the bare chest and shoulders, extending elegantly to the ground. The rounded face is rendered with soft, serene features, including slit-form eyes beneath arched brows and delicately defined lips, framed by smooth hair gathered into a tall chignon adorned with a simple tiara and flanked by elongated earlobes. The back is hollow, as expected, with a central mounting peg between the shoulders. Dimensions: Height 24.4 cm (excl. stand), 32 cm (incl. stand) With an modern stand. (2) The Goryeo dynasty was distinguished by a strong devotion to Buddhism that pervaded all societal levels, from royalty to commoners. It was noted for its integration and refinement of earlier cultural traditions with a pluralistic approach. Goryeo's founder, Taejo Wang Geon (877-943), laid the groundwork for a patronage culture that strongly favored Buddhist art when the dynasty was established. As a result of Wang Geon's influence as a patron, the arts were later supported by the elites of the Buddhist, aristocratic, and royal classes. Goryeo artisans under court patronage strived to meet high standards, producing superb bronzes which testify to the era's artistic and technical finesse. Buddhist images were often portable, used for private worship, and made from various materials such as wood, lacquer, clay, stone, and metal. Most surviving examples from the Goryeo period are small bronze votive images and stone carvings due to the fragility of materials like wood and lacquer. Literature comparison: Compare a related larger bronze figure of Kshitigarbha, dated Goryeo dynasty, 11th century, 49.2 cm tall, in the Kyushu National Museum, collection number C61. Compare a related larger gilt bronze figure of Buddha, dated Goryeo dynasty, 40.5 cm tall, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 1986.141. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 16 March 2021, lot 252 Price: USD 162,500 or approx. EUR 177,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of casting with similar pose, size (25.4 cm), and wear to gilt.

图片