POSSIBLY CHINESE SCHOOL (ACTIVE QING DYNASTY) Shaka (Shakyamuni), the Historical Buddha, with Two Attendant Bodhisattvas and Sixteen Benevolent Deities - 釈迦三尊十六善神像 Colors on silk Framed with a glass 119,5 x 57 cm Notes: 1. At center, Shaka sits atop a lotus pedestal, and below a floating Buddhist parasol, flanked by attendant bodhisattvas, Fugen and Monju, who, respectively, ride a blue lion and a white elephant and represent Buddhist wisdom and practice. Their radiant bodies are meticulously described using a combination of pigments, including gold. They are surrounded by a diverse group of benevolent deities charged with protecting the Sutra itself and all those who recite it. 2. This devotional image would have been hung in a temple during recitations of the ‘Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra’, also known as ‘Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra’. This sutra was translated from Sanskrit into Chinese by the prolific translator Xuanzang 玄奘 (602–664), who appears at bottom right carrying a scroll and brush, and wearing a portable chest containing scriptures. The fierce red deity opposite him is the Great General of the Desert (Jinja Daishō), who is said to have protected Xuanzang during his travels. 3. The anonymous artist probably modeled his work after an example imported from China. 4. Compare with a related devotional image, though a Japanese one, dated to the Nanbokuchō period (1336–92) preserved in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of New York (The Met), USA, under accession number 2012.18. Click HERE to see the related piece. NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.