Lot 8025
A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF MAUDGALYAYANA 17th Century
This gilt bronze figure has a thick gold coating. In a standing position, Maudgalyayana possesses a square head with a round top. With beads hanging from both ears and a benevolent face, the figure wears a chest robe on its upper body and a dhoti on its lower body, matching the appearance of a Buddhist monk. The figure's left arm is pressed against the chest for mendicancy, whilst the right arm hangs down naturally holding a cane (lost). The dhoti tightly fits the lower body with smoothly flowing pleated lines. Barefooted, the figure stands on a lotus pedestal. There is a flame pattern branded on its back. This statue of Maudgalyayana stands upright, embodying the spirit of heroism. The clothing lines seem natural and realistic. The statue bears the fine details of carving. This is a rare Buddhist statue of exceptional value.
Maudgalyayana is also known as Maha Maudgalyayana, wherein the Maha is Sanskrit. It contains three meanings: great, numerous, and victorious. Because this elder was respected by the king, he is considered to be large. He was able to learn all of the classics written in Tripitaka Twelve, thus the meaning of numerous applies to him. He was also different from other non-traditionalists in that he was able to surpass them, thus the meaning of victorious applies to him. In addition, Maudgalyayana can be translated from Sanskrit to Selecting Legumes. Selecting means to select and take, while Legumes are a type of bean. Selecting Legumes is his surname. It is also translated to Radish Root which is basically a radish. As his ancestors cultivated themselves according to a religious doctrine, they ate this kind of food. Radish Root therefore became their surname. His first name is Kolita which is the name of a particular tree. His parents planted this tree and prayed there. This led to the birth of Maudgalyayana and his parents so forth named him Kolita.
In Buddhism, Maudgalyayana is considered to be foremost in supernatural powers, possessing the greatest supernatural powers. Having just been licensed as an Arhat and whilst still cultivating himself according to a religious doctrine, he obtained six kinds of supernatural powers: the divine eye, a divine ear, telepathy, the ability to remember one's former abodes, extinction of mental intoxicants, and higher powers.
H: 32.5 cm
Estimate
TWD 2,227,000-3,239,000
HKD 550,000-800,000
USD 70,900-103,200
Sold Price
Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
Ravenel Spring Auction 2015 Hong Kong
Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 5:00pm