Buddha Bhaisajyaguru (Yao shih fo)

Statuette: Bhaisajyaguru (Yao shih fo). Surface: gilded; green and reddish patina on worn areas.

Historical period(s)
Northern Wei dynasty, Period of Division, ca. 500
Medium
Gilt bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 12.8 × 4.2 × 3.7 cm (5 1/16 × 1 5/8 × 1 7/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1945.31
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Sculpture
Type

Figure: Buddha

Keywords
abhaya mudra, Buddha Bhaisajyaguru, Buddhism, China, Northern Wei dynasty (386 - 534), Period of Division (220 - 589)
Provenance

Mrs. Christian R. Holmes (1871-1941), New York and "The Chimneys," Sands Point, Port Washington, Long Island. [1]

From at least 1944 to 1945
Tonying and Company, New York from at least March 8, 1944. [2]

From 1945
Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Tonying and Company, New York on May 24, 1945. [3]

Notes:

[1] See A. G. Wenley’s letter to C. F. Yau, Tonying and Co., dated May 22, 1945, copy in object file, in which Wenley confirms acquisition of the sculpture and states that it came from Mrs. Christian R. Holmes’s collection.

[2] See “List of Objects Contemplated for Purchase by the Freer Gallery of Art,” approved by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution on March 8, 1944, copy in object file.

[3] See Tonying & Company’s invoice, dated May 24, 1945, in which the object figures under no. B. 11: “Gilt Bronze figure of Buddha, standing on Lotus Pedestal / Six Dynasties,” copy in object file.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Mrs. Christian R. Holmes 1871-1941
Tonying and Company established 1902

Description

Statuette: Bhaisajyaguru (Yao shih fo). Surface: gilded; green and reddish patina on worn areas.

Published References
  • Hugo Munsterberg. Chinese Buddhist Bronzes., 1st ed. Tokyo and Rutland, Vermont. pl. 28.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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