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Lot Essay
Jetsun Lobzong Tenpai Gyaltsen (1635-1723), commonly known as Zanabazar, was an important Mongolian religious figure and personal guru to the Kangxi Emperor (r. 1662-1722). The son of Khalkha Tushyetü Khan, leader of the Khalkha Mongols, Zanabazar was at an early age recognized by both the Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the Tibetan lama, Taranatha (1575-1634), and proclaimed the First Jetsundamba, an honorific title. He traveled to Tibet to continue his religious instruction under the powerful Gelukpa lamas before returning to Mongolia in 1651, bringing fifty sculptors and painters with him in an attempt to establish the Geluk order amongst the Mongols. Rather than settle at one established monastery, his portable temples traveled from one örgöö (traveling place) to another, in what became known as the Da Khuree (Great Circle).
During his time as religious leader of the Khalkha Mongols, Zanabazar oversaw a proliferation of Buddhist art in the region. He is especially known for his visualization and design of gilt bronze sculpture, subsequently carried out by master Nepalese bronze casters, which are widely recognized as some of the finest Buddhist gilt-bronze sculpture created. Lots 373 and 374 are examples of the popularized Mongolian style established by Zanabazar.
The present work depicts Buddha Amitabha seated in dhyanasana, with his hands in dhyanana mudra and holding an alms bowl. He wears a monk’s robe draped over his left shoulder, the hems of which are delicately incised with floret designs. The broad shoulders, tubular limbs, delicate facial features, and stamen-like incised lines above a multi-tiered lotus base, are elements associated with the Zanabazar style of this fine gilt-bronze sculpture.
Himalayan Art Resources (himalayanart.org), item no. 24398.
During his time as religious leader of the Khalkha Mongols, Zanabazar oversaw a proliferation of Buddhist art in the region. He is especially known for his visualization and design of gilt bronze sculpture, subsequently carried out by master Nepalese bronze casters, which are widely recognized as some of the finest Buddhist gilt-bronze sculpture created. Lots 373 and 374 are examples of the popularized Mongolian style established by Zanabazar.
The present work depicts Buddha Amitabha seated in dhyanasana, with his hands in dhyanana mudra and holding an alms bowl. He wears a monk’s robe draped over his left shoulder, the hems of which are delicately incised with floret designs. The broad shoulders, tubular limbs, delicate facial features, and stamen-like incised lines above a multi-tiered lotus base, are elements associated with the Zanabazar style of this fine gilt-bronze sculpture.
Himalayan Art Resources (himalayanart.org), item no. 24398.