Auction Announcement : A nearly identical bronze figure of Amitayus including the original stand bearing a six-character Yongle mark was sold at Christies Hong Kong, Sale 3434, 3 June 2015 (Price realized: $ 3,351,980). Gilt bronze, traces of color pigments China, Ming Dynasty, Yongle period (1403-1424) This figure of a standing bodhisattva Amitayus is exquisitely cast, performing the buddhapatramudra, placed horizontally in front of the waist The rounded face is finely modelled with an urna between the arched eyebrows The eyes are downcast and lips gently indented to provide a benevolent and slightly smiling expression The figure is adorned with an elaborate diadem and the hair swept up into a topknot with two neat strands falling on each shoulder The back of the head is styled with long strands of hair cascading down to the ankle The figure is further adorned with complex beaded jewellery chains across the bare torso and worn around the narrow waist, over the thin dhoti The feet also adorned with jewels. Height: 19 cm Good condition Provenance: From a South German private collection; acquired on the European art market around c. 1970 and thence by descent (see also lot no. 19, 56, 64 and 65) Extremely rare figure See also lot no. 19, 56, 64 and 65. The modelling of the present Amitayus is extremely fine and elaborate, it displays unusually intricate details like the bejewelled feet, and the long strands of hair falling over its back (later restoration). This sculpture is representative of a group of Buddhist figural bronzes made in China during the first half of the fifteenth century. It exhibits the technical perfection and artistic grace that has come to be associated with the gilt-bronze Buddhist figures of the Yongle reign made in a style known as Sino-Tibetan. In the preceding Yuan dynasty a closely association with Tibetan Buddhist or Lamaist rituals came into being as under the authority of the Mongols, who had adopted Tibetan Buddhism as their national religion. The tradition of Lamaist art continued into the Ming dynasty and prevailed in works of art such as the present example. During the reigns of Yongle and Xuande a number of Tibetan hierarchs were invited to the Chinese court to conduct religious ceremonies or to create diplomatic links and images such as the present lot appear to have been made as gifts that were exchanged on such visits. Whereas seated deities are more commonly found in the treasured Sino-Tibetan group of the Yongle period, remain standing figures rare. A comparable figure of a standing Shakyamuni from the Speelman Collection was sold at Sotheby's Hongkong, October 7, 2006, Lot 803. The extremely rare type of the 'Red Amitayus' was sold at Christie's Hongkong, June 3, 2015, Lot 3009. Condition: The figure is in good condition, consistent with age and slight traces of usage. Partly gold wear and small nicks and scratch marks. The hair at the back is a later restoration. The base and the alm's bowl are missing. The height measures 19 cm. Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance. Starting Price : 20000