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TWO IMPORTANT GOLD-LAQUED BRONZE STATUES, China, Yuan / Ming…
See original version (French)
58
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TWO IMPORTANT GOLD-LAQUED BRONZE STATUES, China, Yuan / Ming…
See original version (French)
Estimate €25,000 - €35,000
Voluntary lot
Description
TWO IMPORTANT GOLD-LAQUED BRONZE STATUES, China, Yuan / Ming dynasty, 13th / 15th century
One depicting Guanyin seated on a lion, the other Bodhisattva Puxian seated on a caparisoned elephant, dressed in long monastic robes, both adorned with heavy necklaces, their faces serene, their hair done up in a bun and crowned with high tiaras; minor damage to Guanyin's tiara and bun.
H. 52 and 64 cm (20 ½ and 25 ¼ in.)
Provenance:
French private collection
Two important gilt-lacquered bronze figures of Guanyin and Puxian, Yuan/Ming dynasty, 13th/15th century.
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Guanyin is depicted here sitting on a fabulous animal, a mythical creature with a head similar to the Buddhist lion, a stylised mane and a scaly body. This much less common iconography is nevertheless charged with profound symbolism: the animal, identified as a spirit bearer, embodies strength, courage and the ability to dispel illusions, reinforcing Guanyin's saving and benevolent dimension.
This exceptional mount contrasts with that of Puxian (Samantabhadra), another great bodhisattva of Mahayana Buddhism, who represents practice, virtue and devotion in action. Majestically depicted, Puxian traditionally appears mounted on a white elephant with six tusks, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening.
In classical Buddhist iconography, he stands to the right of Buddha, forming, with Wenshu (Manjushri) and his lion, the triad of the most venerated bodhisattvas.
Guanyin is shown seated upon a fantastical beast, a mythical creature with a lion-like head, stylised mane and scaly body. Though uncommon, this iconography carries considerable symbolic weight: the creature, viewed as a protective spirit, embodies strength, fearlessness and the power to dispel illusion, thereby underscoring the compassionate and redemptive nature of Guanyin.
This unusual mount provides a striking counterpoint to that of Puxian (Samantabhadra), another prominent bodhisattva of the Mahayana tradition, who epitomises practice, virtue and devoted action. Puxian is customarily shown seated upon a white elephant with six tusks, a venerable symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. In classical Buddhist imagery, he stands to the Buddha's right, forming - with Wenshu (Manjushri) and his lion - the revered triad of attendant bodhisattvas.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Lot description modified on 05/28/2026 at 3:04 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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