A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF KASYAPA


Ming dynastyCast standing on a double-lotus pedestal with hands clasped before the chest, the wizened expression framed by long eyebrows and pendulous ears, the wrinkles on the forehead and neck indicating advanced age, a long antaravesaka with chased sawtooth borders tied around the waist, the upper body wrapped in a kasaya with finely chased lotus scroll borders. 16 2/2in (42cm) high
|明 銅鎏金迦葉尊者立像Kasyapa was one of Buddha's ten principal disciples. When he first met Buddha, he was already in his late eighties. He was a teacher in his own right and had a large following. After an encounter with Buddha, Kasyapa recognized Buddha's superior wisdom and converted along with all of his disciples.He is often portrayed with Ananda, each standing on either side of Shakyamuni Buddha. Ananda was one of Buddha's first cousins, and as such is depicted as a young man with hands held in anjalimudra. As an example, see the figure sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 29 Nov 2016, lot 30; and one with elaborate robes sold at Sotheby's, London, 11 May 2011, lot 267. Kasyapa, as mentioned, was much older and portrayed as an elder with hands clasped, as in the example sold in these rooms, 14 Mar 2016, lot 8037.The drapery of the robes, the fine chasing of the borders, the beautifully rendered lotus petals on the pedestal and the clear portrayal of age of the present lot, make this a remarkable example of Ming craftsmanship.