Lot 97
A Large Lacquered Bronze Figure of Weituo, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th Century
Lot 97 Details
A Large Lacquered Bronze Figure of Weituo, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th Century
明 十六/十七世纪 铜韦陀立像
The guardian deity of Buddhist faith portrayed with a youthful face, two hands held in anjali mudra, fully clad in chain-mail armour and helmet, and surrounded by billowing celestial scarf and ribbons
16 x 9 x 8.2 in — 40.6 x 22.9 x 20.8 cm
Estimate $18,000-$22,000
Additional Images
Provenance:
An Important Toronto Collection
Ex. Vancouver Collection, purchased in San Francisco during the late 1990s
Note:
The current example of Weituo is rare because of its large size and remnants of gilt lacquer throughout. Weituo, also known as the bodhisattva Skanda, is recognized as one of the eight divine protectors of Chinese Buddhism. Originally, he was a mortal prince who strictly adhered to Buddha’s teachings. When the Buddha entered nirvana, he instructed Weituo to protect his teachings. Despite his Indian origins, the present figure is distinctly Chinese. His martial bearing and armour suggests that he is a high-ranking Chinese general.
For other examples of Weituo, please see the Seattle Asian Art Museum, accession number 33.820; Sotheby's New York, March 17, 2021, lot 253; and Christie's New York, March 24, 2011, lot 1632
类似韦陀像请参考西雅图亚洲艺术博物馆，藏品编号 33.820
纽约苏富比2021年3月17日，拍品编号253
纽约佳士得2011年3月24日，拍品编号1632
Seattle Asian Art Museum, accession number 33.820
Sotheby's New York, March 17, 2021, lot 253
Christie's New York, March 24, 2011, lot 1632
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