A BRONZE VOTIVE FIGURE OF SAKYAMUNI BUDDHA AND PRABHUTARATNA BUDDHA NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY, DATED TO THE TWENTY-FIRST YEAR OF THE TAIHE PERIOD (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 497)

cast as Sakyamuni Buddha and Prabhutaratna Buddha, depicted seated against a flame-shaped mandorla on a flange atop a splayed four-legged plinth, both framed by a flame-shaped border of flaming swirls on the mandorla, below foliate motifs to the pointed tip, the plinth decorated with scrollwork and floral designs, the reverse of the mandorla decorated with a seated figure of Buddha within a border of foliate scrolls, the splayed sides and reverse of the plinth incised with a dedicatory inscription dated to the third day of the tenth month of the twenty-first year of the Taihe reign (in accordance with 497) and can be translated as 'Buddhist disciple, Zheng Yizao, a figure of Prabhutaratna'

Collection of Baron Toranosuke Furukawa (1887-1940).
Collection of Sato Gengen (1888-1963).

Toyo Bijutsu Taikan/General View of Far Eastern Art, vol. XIII, Tokyo, 1915, pls. 90-91.
Seigai Omura, Shina Bijutsu Shi Choso Hen/History of Chinese Art, Sculptures, Tokyo, 1915, pl. 491.
Saburo Matsubara, Chugoku Bukkyo Choukoku Shi Kenkyu [Chinese Buddhist Sculpture - A study based on bronze and stone statues other than works from cave temples], Tokyo, 1961, pls. 44b-c.
Saburo Matsubara, Zoutei Chugoku Bukkyo Choukoku Shi Kenkyu [Chinese Buddhist Sculpture - A study based on bronze and stone statues other than works from cave temples], Tokyo, 1966, pls. 43b-c.
Saburo Matsubara, Chugoku Bukkyo Choukuku Shi Ron/History of Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, Tokyo, 1995, vol. I, pls. 82c-d.

Good overall condition, with just minor surface wear and bruising, especially to the tips of the feet, which have slightly corroded. Extensive malachite-green oxidisation to the surface.
"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."

This scene, which depicts Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna, derives from chapter eleven of the Lotus Sutra. During a sermon delivered by Sakyamuni, a jewelled stupa rose from the earth and hovered in the air, opening to reveal Prabhutaratna, the Buddha of the past age. This was a particular popular theme in the Northern Wei period.

Two of the most famous related examples in museum collections are illustrated in Hugo Munsterberg, Chinese Buddhist Bronzes, Tokyo, 1967, pls. 33 and 34, the first, dated 489, in the Nezu Museum, Tokyo, the second, dated 518, in the Musée Guimet. See also the gilt-bronze stele of Sakyamuni Buddha and Prabhutaratna Buddha, dated to 502, offered in this sale as lot 3209.