RARE SITTING VAJRASANA BUDDHA. Origin: North... Lot 12

RARE SITTING VAJRASANA BUDDHA. Origin: North East India or Bangladesh. Dynasty: Pala dynasty (750-1161). Date: 11th c. Technique: Black stone, finely carved and polished. Description: The Buddha is seated in meditation posture on a lotus above a throne with two lions flanking a central elephant. His two hands perform the teaching gesture (dharmachakra mudra) and he is accompanied by two standing budhisattva, each with the right hand raised in front of the chest in the gesture of fearlessness. On the right side the future Buddha Bodhisattva Maitreya and the much revered Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion on the left. Behind the head of the Buddha two nimbus: a round one of twisted, pearl-studded ribbons, the other one from flames and with pointed tip. Above the head of the large figure three leaves of the tree of enlightenment. Flanking him are also two small representations of the seated Buddha in meditation gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) each on a double lotus. Measurement: Height 52 cm, width 30 cm, depth 12cm. Frame/Pedestal: On a separate metal base. The exquisite Buddha with two short vertical inscriptions on the base belongs to the Vajrasana type. The "diamond seat" refers to the exact place in Bodhgaya where Buddha attained his awakening. Provenance: European private collection. Estimated Shippingcost for this lot: Arrangement after the auction.