Qianlong Period Gilt Bronze Amitayus Figure, 1770

Chinese Qianlong mark and period gilt bronze figure of Amitayus,…
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Chinese Qianlong mark and period gilt bronze figure of Amitayus, dated genyin year corresponding to 1770, with ogee flamed finial, depicted seated with top not and headdress, serene expression, lobed ears and earrings, with necklace sash from shoulder and robes tied at waist on throne with draped cloth, nine character mark to base,a/f, height 20.6 cm. Provenenace: Sotheby's 29/10/1981, lot 30, then by family Decent

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  • Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.

    The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.

    It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
  • A/f, as Inspected - The letters "A/F" or "as inspected" as part of a description is the cataloguer's shorthand for "all faults" or "as found", meaning the item has some type of damage or deficiency, it is of uncertain date or provenance, and/or that the seller takes no responsibility for the completeness of the item or the accuracy of the description.
  • Finial - An architectural decoration, found on the upper parts of of an object. On furniture they are usually found on pediments, canopies and shelf supports. On smaller ceramic or silver items, such as spoons, they may decorate the top of the item itself, or the lid or cover where they provide a useful handle for removal.

    Finials have a variety of shapes and forms. They may be urn-shaped, baluster shaped round or spiral, but usually taper into an upper point. Many real life shapes may also be used as finials, such as pineapples, berries, pinecones, buds, lotus and acorns. Sometimes animals such as a lion are depicted, or fish and dolphins.

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