Object Details
Catalogue Note
Dimensions: H 20.5 × W 13.5 cm
Weight: 1.48 kg
Material: Bronze with surviving original 24-karat fire gilding
Estimated period: 17th–18th century
Origin: Tibet / Western Himalayan sphere
Subject: Medicine Buddha / Bhaisajyaguru
Posture: Seated on a lotus base
Attributes: Medicinal bowl in the left hand; healing gesture/attribute in the right
Catalogue Note
A compact but substantial Tibetan Medicine Buddha cast in bronze and retaining traces of original fire gilding in protected areas. The figure is seated on a lotus pedestal and carries the medicine vessel associated with Bhaisajyaguru.
The 17th–18th-century attribution follows the earlier technical catalogue record for this exact SKU 087 object. That record identifies the metal as bronze rather than brass and documents surviving 24-karat mercury-amalgam fire gilding, hand-finished detail, naturally developed oxidation and preserved historic surface.
Iconography and Context
Bhaisajyaguru embodies healing and the relief of suffering. The medicinal vessel and associated healing attribute distinguish this iconography from a general image of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Condition and Display
The bronze retains worn fire-gilt areas, darker patina in recesses and natural age-related surface variation. The 13 photographs document the sculpture from multiple angles, including the reverse and base.
