Tibet, Shakyamuni seated – bhumisparsha mudra (6)

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11th-12th century, probably Western Tibet, Shakyamuni, brass with silver eyes, and copper lips, nails and hem, photo on Fondation Alain Bordier , at the Tibet Museum in Gruyères (Switzerland).

12th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, brass, photo on Fondation Alain Bordier as before, nº ABS 315, at the Tibet Museum in Gruyères (Switzerland).

Most Tibetan sculptures show the historical buddha calling Earth to witness his triumph over Mara (who represents evil), thus reaching enlightenment. On these two early examples, the buddha has no lotus bud finial on his hair bun.

12th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, brass, photo on Fondation Alain Bordier, at the Tibet Museum in Gruyères (Switzerland).

12th-13th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, brass, photo on Fondation Alain Bordier, nº ABS 078, at the Tibet Museum in Gruyères (Switzerland).

This one has a vajra sceptre placed before him at the front of the lotus base.

12th-13th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, bronze with traces of gilding, private collection, photo by Tessier-Sarrou, Art d’Asie 16th December 2019, lot 26.

13th-14th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, brass, photo on Fondation Alain Bordier nº ABS 339, at the Tibet Museum in Gruyères (Switzerland).

14th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, brass with silver-inlaid eyes and silver beading, copper inlaid lips, nails and hem, photo on Fondation Alain Bordier nº ABS 077, at the Tibet Museum in Gruyères (Switzerland).

14th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, gilt copper with cold gold and pigment, Birman style, photo on Fondation Alain Bordier, nº ABS 144, at the Tibet Museum in Gruyères (Switzerland).

16th-17th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, gilt bronze, Nº 1998-00213 at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore.

16th-17th century, Tibet, Buddha (Shakyamuni), gilt bronze, private collection, photo on Christie’s.

We had not yet seen him with both hands touching the base.

18th century, Tibet, Shakyamuni, zitan wood (red sandalwood), with cold gold, private collection, photo by Christie’s, sale 5614 lot 322, Paris.

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