Antique Indonesian Bronze Statue
Bodhisattva
Seated on Rising Lotus
Circa: early 20th century
H 6" (15cm.), W 3.5" (9cm.), D 2.5" (6.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent

In this remarkable little bronze, an elfin bodhisattva sits in modified rajalila asana, both hands raised in vitarka mudra, the mystic gesture of Taras and Bodhisattvas, exhibiting unique Indonesian features such as the narrow torso, the pointed crown, the exaggeratedly long hands, each one holding a leaf, the upturned fingers, narrow winding scarves and draped sash, necklace of bells and towering flame rising from the head. The classic face wears a beatific smile between long curved earrings, the soles of the feet touch each other, and there are bells on the toes. The bodhisattva’s seat on a rising lotus gives it a quality of levitating above earthly matters.

Private Collection

Contact with Hinduism and Buddhism about 400A.D. gave a new driving force to the arts in Indonesia, and from that time various centers produced a distinctly Indonesian style of religious art. Gold, silver and bronze statuettes represent Hindu and Buddhist divinities, and most of these objects were used in a ritual context, often taking their place in altars with mandalas containing as many as ninety figures. Indonesian style displays a love of round forms coupled with intricate detail, and are generally small, intimate works full of harmony and balance, often highly ornamented with jewels, gold and bells, and full of movement.