A Large Bronze Figure of a Buddha Holding the Wheel of Law - Bronze - China - Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
05
days
01
hour
22
minutes
35
seconds
Current bid
€ 400
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Sarah Le Helley
Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
Estimate € 7,000 - € 8,500
 | €400 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €300 | |
| €280 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143878 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
A large bronze Ming Dynasty Buddha figure, 28 cm high and weighing about 4.5–5 kg, seated in dhyanasana and holding the Dharmachakra (Wheel of the Law), with the original black lacquer worn to reveal coppery-brown bronze; provenance private collection, China, authentic/original, in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Large Bronze Figure of a Buddha Holding the Wheel of Law
China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
Powerfully cast seated Buddha shown in dhyanasana upon a lotus base, the right hand raised in a gesture of exposition and teaching, while the left supports the Dharmachakra, or Wheel of the Law, symbolizing the transmission of Buddhist doctrine. The broad face with heavily lidded meditative eyes beneath gently arched brows conveys a solemn spiritual presence, framed by crisply defined pendulous ears and tightly arranged spiral curls rising to a prominent ushnisha.
The figure is distinguished by its exceptionally substantial casting and impressive physical weight, approximately 4.5–5 kilograms, suggesting a work of considerable quality and importance. The bronze surface retains extensive areas of the original black lacquer coating, now attractively worn and flaked with age, revealing warm coppery-brown tones beneath. Fine engraved decoration remains visible along the robe borders, adding richness and refinement to the otherwise restrained sculptural treatment.
Particularly notable is the finely rendered Wheel of Law held before the body, an uncommon and symbolically important attribute associated with the Buddha’s first sermon and the promulgation of Buddhist teaching. The chest further bears an incised Buddhist emblem reinforcing the devotional character of the sculpture.
The combination of monumental presence, heavy bronze casting, worn lacquer surface, and austere spiritual expression gives the figure a remarkable sculptural authority characteristic of Ming dynasty Buddhist bronzes.
Height: 28 cm
Weight: approx. 4.5–5 kg
Condition:
Expected wear and attractive age-related flaking to the original black lacquer surface. Minor stable age cracks to the hands and fingers; otherwise in very good condition overall.
Provenance:
Private collection, Dresden.
Acquired from Lempertz, Germany.
Shipping:
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched within three working days, shipped by FedEx with full insurance.
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 Large Bronze Figure of a Buddha Holding the Wheel of Law
China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
Powerfully cast seated Buddha shown in dhyanasana upon a lotus base, the right hand raised in a gesture of exposition and teaching, while the left supports the Dharmachakra, or Wheel of the Law, symbolizing the transmission of Buddhist doctrine. The broad face with heavily lidded meditative eyes beneath gently arched brows conveys a solemn spiritual presence, framed by crisply defined pendulous ears and tightly arranged spiral curls rising to a prominent ushnisha.
The figure is distinguished by its exceptionally substantial casting and impressive physical weight, approximately 4.5–5 kilograms, suggesting a work of considerable quality and importance. The bronze surface retains extensive areas of the original black lacquer coating, now attractively worn and flaked with age, revealing warm coppery-brown tones beneath. Fine engraved decoration remains visible along the robe borders, adding richness and refinement to the otherwise restrained sculptural treatment.
Particularly notable is the finely rendered Wheel of Law held before the body, an uncommon and symbolically important attribute associated with the Buddha’s first sermon and the promulgation of Buddhist teaching. The chest further bears an incised Buddhist emblem reinforcing the devotional character of the sculpture.
The combination of monumental presence, heavy bronze casting, worn lacquer surface, and austere spiritual expression gives the figure a remarkable sculptural authority characteristic of Ming dynasty Buddhist bronzes.
Height: 28 cm
Weight: approx. 4.5–5 kg
Condition:
Expected wear and attractive age-related flaking to the original black lacquer surface. Minor stable age cracks to the hands and fingers; otherwise in very good condition overall.
Provenance:
Private collection, Dresden.
Acquired from Lempertz, Germany.
Shipping:
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched within three working days, shipped by FedEx with full insurance.
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
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Country of Origin
China
Material
Bronze
Height
28 cm
Title of artwork
A Large Bronze Figure of a Buddha Holding the Wheel of Law
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
