A SET OF EIGHT BRONZE BUDDHIST EMBLEMS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each carrying one of the eight beribboned Buddhist emblems, supported on  a double lotus pedestal above stylised scrolling foliage, the foot skirted with a pendent lappet band and keyfret border, incised with a double vajra at the base

General good condition, all with minor dents and chips to extremities, minor casting flaws and rubbing to the patina. There may be possible breaks which had been restuck. Endless knot: two dents to the upper tier of the lotus lappets (1 x 0.5cm). Parasol: 0.3x0.2cm loss to the foliage on the stand Wheel: polished loss to the end of ribbon, approx.. 0.3cm. Lotus, vase and conch shell: Each with minor loss to the ribbons Twin fish: slightly slanted tip, possibly broken and restuck.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The bajixiang are the eight symbols of the Buddha’s enlightenment and consists of: the wheel of the law of the Buddhist doctrine, the conch shell of the truth of the Buddha, the canopy of victory of the Buddhist doctrine’s power to conquer and subdue demons, the parasol of the protective powers of Buddhist doctrine, the lotus of purity, the vase of the elixir of life and vessel for holding holy water, the twin fish of wealth and abundance, and the infinite knot of longevity and the infinite power of Buddhist dharma.

The bajixiang originated in India and was introduced into China through the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). By the Ming dynasty they became standard decoration for official porcelains made for the Imperial Palace and were created in various media throughout the Qing dynasty. See a porcelain set of emblems of related form decorated in famille rose enamels, pictured in situ on the altar of the Fanzong Lou (Hall of Buddhism) in the Forbidden City, Beijing, illustrated in Cultural Relics of Tibetan Buddhism Collected in the Qing Palace, Beijing, 1992, pl. 99-1, together with sets of ornaments in gilt-copper and silver gilt with large lotus-shaped supports bearing the Qizheng (Seven Royal Treasures) and the Babao (Eight Auspicious Treasures), pls 138 and 139 respectively; and two cloisonné enamel sets included in the exhibition Buddhist Art from Rehol, The Chang Foundation, Taipei, 1999, cat. nos 67 and 68.