Bodhisattva; Beijing or Tibet. Ming Dynasty. 15TH-16TH C.Gilt and chiselled bronze inlaid with turquoise.Published in: NEVEN, Armand. "Etudes d' art lamaique et de l'Himalaya. De Vleeschouwer, Brussels (1978). Fig. no. 5. P. 109.Provenance: Jeannette Claude Collection.Size: 22.5 x 13 x 9.5 cm.In Buddhist iconography, the Bodhisattvas play a role similar to that of the saints in Christianity, who, like them, wear the halo of sanctity, as well as the "usnîsa" between the eyebrows, like the figure of the Buddha*, but differing from him in a more worldly treatment, reflected in the richness of their clothing and ornaments, and by carrying attributes that identify him in their hands. In the Vajrayâna, his origin is derived from the five Dhyâni Buddhas and he represents all the male divinities of the Buddhist pantheon.The Ming dynasty is one of the longest periods in Chinese history, lasting approximately three centuries. After the Yuan period of foreign domination, the Ming period saw the re-establishment of traditional Chinese values. The seventeen emperors of this dynasty reigned in a state of relative peace and prosperity and belonged to the Han ethnic group (the majority in China), as did the civil service. The economy was transformed from an agrarian to a fully mercantile state at the end of the dynasty. Especially from the 16th century onwards, a monetary economy will emerge. Industry would be fundamental, and there would be important technological advances and significant urban growth. A merchant bourgeoisie appeared, again mainly from the 16th century onwards, and the production of decorative arts would be industrialised. This was particularly true of porcelain, which supplied both the Chinese and European markets from this time onwards. It was therefore a time when China looked to itself, recovering its tradition and, at the same time, initiating new contacts with the West and making important expeditions by sea.Dimensions: 22.5 x 13 x 9.5 cm.