STATUETTE DE HVASHANG EN PIERRE SCULPTÉE

Tibet, circa XVIIIe siècle

Footnotes

This figure represents Hvashang, the patron of the Sixteen Arhats. He is depicted seated in a relaxed posture, his ample torso and belly exposed beneath the loose robes that fall in supple folds, pooling naturalistically at the ankles. The surface of the garment is ornamented with painted cold gilt rosettes, emphasising its luxurious character. The figure's body and face also retain traces of cold gilding. The figure is enthroned upon a rectangular pedestal, the front of which is prominently adorned with a double vajra (visvavajra)—a symbol of cosmic stability and the unshakable foundation of the Buddhist order. The throne is further ornamented with a double border and scrolling foliate motifs along its edges.

Hvashang holds a persimmon fruit in his left hand, while his right hand is raised, in a gesture typically associated with holding a rosary or mala. His jovial presence is further emphasised by the inclusion of two attendant children: one to his left pulls playfully at his robe, while the other to his right reclines against him, one hand resting lightly upon his lap. This affectionate rapport with children combined with his corpulent body, and affable demeanour makes him easily identifiable and represents his association with fecundity, abundance, and the transmission of blessings, themes that entered Tibetan Buddhist imagery under Chinese influence during the Yuan and Ming periods. Comparable compositions are seen in a contemporaneous gilt copper alloy figure sold at Sotheby's, New York, 21 March 2002, lot 175 as well as an earlier related example (HAR item no. 20710).

Provenance
Sotheby's, London, 10 March 1986, Lot 49.
Private Collection, Belgium, acquired from the above;
Thence by descent.

西藏 約十八世紀 哈香尊者石像

來源
蘇富比，倫敦，1986 年 3 月 10 日，拍品 49
比利時私人收藏，購於上者
後由家族傳承