A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA TIBET, 14TH CENTURY

seated in vajraparyankasana on a double lotus base with the right hand held in bhumisparsha mudra and the left in dhyana mudra, dressed in a robe draped over the left shoulder and gathering folds around the feet, the serene face with downcast eyes below an urna on the forehead, flanked by a pair of long pendulous earlobes, the hair in tight curls and surmounted by a domed ushinisha and a jewel, the oxidised surface with an attractive silver colour

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is oxidisation to the surface and minor dents. There is general bruising to the base, including a crack to the underside of the base on the left, with 1.5cm shallow loss. There is a 0.7cm crack to the reverse of the base, and two holes to the reverse of the hair, one 0.5cm, the other 0.1cm.
"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 sculpture depicts the historical Buddha Shakyamuni reaching forward with his right hand calling the earth to witness his triumph over the assaults and temptations of the demon Mara. The Buddha is modelled in the classic early Tibetan style drawing on eastern Indian artistic traditions assimilated through close contact between lamas and pilgrims of Tibet’s central regions and the monasteries of Bengal and Bihar in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Buddha’s meditative and compassionate countenance with pronounced eyes and lips, the authoritative poise enhanced by broad shoulders and swelling chest are features reminiscent of medieval Pala period sculpture, see von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, pp. 286-91, pls. 71A-73H.