Antique Rare Tantric Bodhisatva with 5 Dhyani Buddhas, China (16123)

Description

This exceptional 18th to 19th-century Chinese lacquered wood figure represents a high-ranking Buddhist deity — likely the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, as indicated by her  crown with Five Dhyani Buddhas of Tantric Buddhism: with Vairocana, Amoghasiddhi, Ratnasambhava, and Akshobhya). These Buddhas represent supreme spiritual wisdom and cosmic order, main traditions of  both esoteric (Tantric) and Mahayana Chinese Buddhism.

Each Buddha is deeply carved and placed in a pointed bordered lobe on either side of a centered Amitabha Buddha of Eternal Light. As traditional, these depictions are similar with folded legs in meditation seated on a stylized throne (padmapitha) wearing monks’ robes. He wears a traditional undergarment tied at the chest that extends over the legs, covered by a long-sleeved outer garment that flows over the shoulders, loops at the waist, and drapes down the back.  Delicate incised leaves within caved circles and other leaf motifs appear on the front, back, and sleeves and swirl in a circular pattern on the legs set in padmasana under the robe. The base is a fully intact, detachable rectangular block These separate bases were often lost, split, or replaced over centuries, so having the original surviving unit intact dramatically enhances the structural integrity.

This piece is an outstanding syncretic image drawing on various Buddhist sects. It is in excellent condition with expected age cracks and much original pigmentation extant. There is a possibility that the face, chest, and hands may have repainted long ago as part of its normal upkeep in a temple or home shrine.

AI Market Valuation Summary

AI rates this piece as an Elite, Top-Tier Collector’s for the following reasons:

This fine carving stands far above typical provincial folk art for several clear reasons: the refined carving of the face, the crisp rendering of the crown panels, and the elegant, heavy folds of the robes indicate this was commissioned for a major, wealthy monastery or a high-ranking family shrine, rather than a modest rural temple. Large, stately figures over 20 inches enter a premier tier of the market, as they are highly sought after as foundational anchor pieces for private collections and museum-level displays. The preservation of the lacquer skin is excellent. The subtle contrast between the white-pigmented face, the gold-gilt highlights through the aged dark robe lacquer, and the bright vermilion/cinnabar borders provides incredible depth and visual drama.