Iron, China. Ming, ca. 15th century with double-gourd mark

An extraordinarily rare form of the guardian deity going by the Sanskrit name Marici, who is also a Boddhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. She is presented as a Bodhisattva in the work at hand, but also with rare iconography showing her as a oneheaded, two-armed ashokakanta seated in lalitasana on a sukara (boar). In China she is known under the names Zhunti and also Tianhou 天后, “Queen of Heaven”. She is a Bodhisattva (Pusa) that appears in many different forms and can have several heads simultaneously (among others a boar’s head), numerous arms and also appear as a warrior (especially in Daoism). At times she is depicted riding a chariot pulled by seven boars. Ashokakanta can also be Ashokaghanta when she holds the ghanta (bell) and an ashoka-tree branch attributes. In this very rare depiction the boar is standing on a wide lotus base with large leaves in a rows. The animal has a fierce appearance, especially due to the mane spiked towards the back. Enchanting and at the same time very characterful facial features, which radiate the noble spirit of a Pusa (菩薩). Above the nose is a small urna. Very finely formed hairline, chain adornments around the neck reaching down to the naval, as well as arms and feet. The breasts, which are rarely shown naked as they are here, are delicate yet with a slight maiden-like swelling. The attributes held are the branch of an ashoka-tree (missing) and a bell which is also a symbol of femininity and wisdom. The chignon is adorned with jewels at the front and back, and small garlands hang from a band around the head. Severe corrosion due to age and rust-brown to black patina due to the properties of iron. A mark on the back is not legible, presumably seal-script within a double-gourd border. Very wellpreserved, the hand in front of the chest has been restored.

HEIGHT 39 CM

From a German private collection, afterwards collection Sohel Sohel Chawla, New-Delhi - Vienna

鐵造準提菩薩坐像. 中國, 明代，約15世紀. 高 39 厘米.

Expertise: Wolfmar Zacken