Jin Dynasty Style, circa: 1115-1234 A.D.
H 12 in(25cm), W 2.5 in(6.5cm), D 2.5 in(6.5cm)
Condition: Very good
The
Buddha, Amitabha, with eyes down cast in meditation, hands locked in dhyana mudra,
each foot standing above a drop-leaf lotuses above a rectangular pedestal. A rather
unconventional style_ in particular of the statue's highly elongated body, which
encompasses certain delicate qualities of the Song (960-1279) statues. Although
the cloak that falls off to his right shoulder, and the symmetrical design in
the folded pleats of the robe are more typical of statues of the Jin periods.
To better apprehend its unique beauty, it is note worthy that the profound harmony
and superb casting of this figure is thoroughly Chinese in origin. Thus the absence
of Tibetan influence indicated that the statue was made before the Yuen dynasty
in the 13th century. The bronze is aged in soft dark patina, and shaded with small
patches of malachite throughout.