A Fine Gilt-Bronze Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha - Bronze, Gilt - Tibet - 15th–16th century
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Current bid
€ 700
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Sarah Le Helley
Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
Estimate € 11,000 - € 13,000
 | €700 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €650 | |
 | €600 | |
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A fine gilt-bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha from Tibet, 15th–16th century, 16 cm high.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Fine Gilt-Bronze Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha
Tibet, 15th–16th century
Height: 16 cm
A finely cast and richly gilded bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha, seated in vajraparyankasana upon a substantial double-lotus pedestal. The Buddha is represented with his right hand extended downward in bhumisparsha mudra, the earth-touching gesture recalling the moment of his enlightenment, while the left hand rests gently in his lap in meditation.
The figure is distinguished by its serene expression and beautifully balanced proportions. The face is modelled with downcast eyes beneath finely arched brows, a subtle smile and elongated earlobes, conveying the calm introspection characteristic of early Tibetan Buddhist sculpture. The hair is arranged in tightly defined curls rising into a prominent ushnisha, with traces of blue pigment still visible among the hair curls.
The monastic robe falls gracefully across the left shoulder, its borders enriched with finely worked ornamental bands and scrolling decoration. Particular attention has been given to the hands, the folds of the garment and the jewellery-like treatment of the robe edging. The finely articulated lotus pedestal is arranged in two registers of broad, deeply modelled petals, creating a strong architectural base for the figure.
The surface retains extensive original gilding, now attractively mellowed through age, with areas of natural wear revealing the warm bronze beneath. This combination of surviving gold, darkened patina and traces of pigment gives the sculpture a particularly appealing and authentic appearance.
Of particular interest is the open underside of the sculpture, where old consecration material remains preserved within the hollow body. An old collection label inscribed “C.W. COLLECTION” is also retained inside, providing an important physical record of the figure’s collecting history.
The sculpture is further distinguished by an exceptionally strong European provenance. It formerly belonged to the collection of Madame Françoise Leroy-Laveissière, whose important collection of Asian art was assembled between approximately 1960 and 1990. During this period, Madame Leroy-Laveissière was active as an Asian Art expert at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris and worked in collaboration with the renowned Chinese art specialist Michel Beurdeley. The Buddha subsequently entered the C.W. Collection, as documented by the old collection label preserved within the figure.
The long-established provenance, together with the quality of the casting, extensive surviving gilding, original surface and preserved consecration material, makes this a particularly appealing example of Tibetan Buddhist sculpture of the 15th–16th century.
Provenance:
Collection of Madame Françoise Leroy-Laveissière, Paris; collection assembled between circa 1960 and 1990, during which period she worked as an Asian Art expert at Hôtel Drouot and collaborated with Michel Beurdeley.
Subsequently, C.M. Collection, old collection label preserved inside the sculpture.
Condition:
Wear consistent with age, including rubbing and losses to the gilding, minor traces of age and old restoration. Original patina and surface preserved. Consecration material remains inside the figure.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
A Fine Gilt-Bronze Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha
Tibet, 15th–16th century
Height: 16 cm
A finely cast and richly gilded bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha, seated in vajraparyankasana upon a substantial double-lotus pedestal. The Buddha is represented with his right hand extended downward in bhumisparsha mudra, the earth-touching gesture recalling the moment of his enlightenment, while the left hand rests gently in his lap in meditation.
The figure is distinguished by its serene expression and beautifully balanced proportions. The face is modelled with downcast eyes beneath finely arched brows, a subtle smile and elongated earlobes, conveying the calm introspection characteristic of early Tibetan Buddhist sculpture. The hair is arranged in tightly defined curls rising into a prominent ushnisha, with traces of blue pigment still visible among the hair curls.
The monastic robe falls gracefully across the left shoulder, its borders enriched with finely worked ornamental bands and scrolling decoration. Particular attention has been given to the hands, the folds of the garment and the jewellery-like treatment of the robe edging. The finely articulated lotus pedestal is arranged in two registers of broad, deeply modelled petals, creating a strong architectural base for the figure.
The surface retains extensive original gilding, now attractively mellowed through age, with areas of natural wear revealing the warm bronze beneath. This combination of surviving gold, darkened patina and traces of pigment gives the sculpture a particularly appealing and authentic appearance.
Of particular interest is the open underside of the sculpture, where old consecration material remains preserved within the hollow body. An old collection label inscribed “C.W. COLLECTION” is also retained inside, providing an important physical record of the figure’s collecting history.
The sculpture is further distinguished by an exceptionally strong European provenance. It formerly belonged to the collection of Madame Françoise Leroy-Laveissière, whose important collection of Asian art was assembled between approximately 1960 and 1990. During this period, Madame Leroy-Laveissière was active as an Asian Art expert at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris and worked in collaboration with the renowned Chinese art specialist Michel Beurdeley. The Buddha subsequently entered the C.W. Collection, as documented by the old collection label preserved within the figure.
The long-established provenance, together with the quality of the casting, extensive surviving gilding, original surface and preserved consecration material, makes this a particularly appealing example of Tibetan Buddhist sculpture of the 15th–16th century.
Provenance:
Collection of Madame Françoise Leroy-Laveissière, Paris; collection assembled between circa 1960 and 1990, during which period she worked as an Asian Art expert at Hôtel Drouot and collaborated with Michel Beurdeley.
Subsequently, C.M. Collection, old collection label preserved inside the sculpture.
Condition:
Wear consistent with age, including rubbing and losses to the gilding, minor traces of age and old restoration. Original patina and surface preserved. Consecration material remains inside the figure.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
15th–16th century
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Tibet
Attribution
Original
Material
Bronze, Gilt
Height
16 cm
Title of artwork
A Fine Gilt-Bronze Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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