Spinach-green jade carving "Buddha in the grotto", Qing dynasty

A jade figurine carved in one piece, of a deep spinach-green colour, with light brownish flecks.

The marvellous carving realized with great skill, shows, in the centre, the incommensurable life Buddha  “无量寿佛”, represented in bhumisparsha mudra position, with the right hand extended above the knee and the left hand resting, with the palm upwards, at the abdominal level, holding a small temple or altar. His expression is of complete serenity, with narrowed eyes and the mouth slightly open. The head is covered by a crown of five lotus leaves, with a lower part covering the nape of the neck and the elongated ears. 

A tunic carved in great detail covers the body down to the level of the feet, where the multiple folds are executed with great quality and show the natural drape of the fabric. The legs are shown bent, but in different positions; the right leg rests the bare foot on the ground, showing the delicate toes, while the left leg is bent inwards, showing the plant of the foot and slightly reminiscent of the classical lotus position.

The Buddha figure is framed by a grotto with a hollow interior, executed in great detail. The orientation of the grotto is vertical, ending in a slight curve. The jade has been expertly carved on all sides, faithfully depicting the intricate structure of the rocks: steep, openwork and angular, from among which blossom various plant motifs such as small ruyi branches, slender bamboos, descending willow leaves, a flowering chrysanthemum and even a small tree emerging from the stone itself in the upper right-hand corner.

The piece is remarkable for its meticulous detailing and the elaborate workmanship of the stone carving, giving life to the sculpture and faithfully reflects the serenity and solemnity of the scene. Also, noteworthy is the patina that completely covers the piece and denotes its undeniable antiquity.

The Buddha of Immeasurable Life "无量寿佛 "is the first and foremost in terms of power and light, representing infinite life and light. "无量寿佛" enlightens those lonely beings to alleviate their sufferings and karmic obstacles and after their death offers them rebirth in their Pure Land, where they will be blessed with peace and happiness.

During the Qing dynasty, in the Qianlong period, jade was extensively used by emperors and members of the nobility due to the territorial expansion of the Qing court in western China, which increased its supply; likewise, the Emperor's fondness for the use of this material is well known, and he carefully selected the best jade masters to carry out his commissions. The Qing dynasty was renowned for its great Buddhist devotion and beliefs; according to the royal archives of the palace office, the emperors requested the production of various objects and works of art, destined to worship the Buddha, using the best and most select materials such as jade, gold or lacquer. Qing Dynasty (644-1912).

Measurements: 24.5 x 7 x 16.5 cm

Weight: 3390 gr

Provenance: Admiral Giscaulime, belonging to the French expeditionary forces in China, 19th century (1860s).

- Current French private collection, obtained directly from the previous sole owner.

References: 

- Sotheby's, London (17/12/1996), Lot 275.