北魏太和廿一年 銅釋迦多寶二佛並坐像

銘文：太和廿一年十月三日佛弟子鄭儀皂多保像一區。

古河虎之助男爵（1887-1940年）收藏
佐藤玄々（1888-1963年）收藏

《東洋美術大觀》，卷13，東京，1915年，圖版90及91
大村西崖，《支那美術史彫塑編》，東京，1915年，圖版491
松原三郎，《中国佛教彫刻史研究》，東京，1961年，圖版44b及c
松原三郎，《增訂中国佛教彫刻史研究》，東京，1966年，圖版43b及c
松原三郎，《中国佛教彫刻史論》，東京，1995年，卷1，圖版82c及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.