Mahayana Buddhism, the predominant form followed in traditional China, teaches that there are an infinite number of Buddhas, all of whom are deities. The Buddhas most widely worshipped in China, and thus those most frequently portrayed, are Shakyamuni (the Historical Buddha), Amitabha (the Buddha of Infinite Light), and Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha). The present lot is depicting Bhaisajyaguru.
According to traditional iconographic conventions, the Medicine Buddha, whether standing or seated, is portrayed with the left hand held at abdomen level, palm up, and with the right hand lowered, palm out, in the varadamudra. In many representations as in the present sacred image, he holds a single myrobalan fruit between the thumb and index finger of the lowered right hand. In the left hand the Medicine Buddha typically holds a small jar or a small bowl containing amrita, the nectar of the myrobalan fruit and considered the nectar of immortality. Given that the Medicine Buddha is associated with the Paradise of Pure Lapis Lazuli and that his symbolic color is blue, the medicine jar is often tinted blue in paintings and in painted sculptures.
Like all Buddhas, the Medicine Buddha is an enlightened being who has entered nirvana and who shows unbiased compassion for all living beings. In particular, he protects all beings from illnesses—whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—just as he also protects them from other dangers and obstacles; in addition, he helps them to eradicate the three poisons attachment , hatred , and ignorance —which are the source of all passions, delusions, illnesses, and dangers.
The Medicine Buddha’s teachings are transmitted in the Bhaisajyaguru-vaiduryaprabharaja Sutra best-known in English as the Medicine Buddha Sutra, which characterizes him as a bodhisattva who made twelve great vows that he pledged to keep upon entering nirvana and attaining Buddhahood. A bodhisattva is a benevolent being who has attained enlightenment but who has selflessly postponed entry into nirvana in order to assist other sentient beings in gaining enlightenment and thereby release from the samsara cycle of birth and rebirth.
On achieving Buddhahood, he became the Buddha of the eastern paradise of Vaiduryanirbhasa, or Paradise of Pure Lapis Lazuli There, two bodhisattvas symbolizing the light of the sun and of the moon attend him: Suryaprabha symbolizing the sun, and Candraprabha emblemizing the moon. In temples dedicated to him, the Medicine Buddha sometimes is accompanied by twelve warriors, six at each side; holding spears and dressed in military armor, they symbolize the Medicine Buddha’s vows to help others.
According to the Medicine Buddha Sutra, the twelve great vows that Bhaisajyaguru made on attaining full enlightenment are
1—To illuminate countless realms through his radiance, enabling anyone to become a Buddha
2—To awaken the minds of sentient beings through his lapis lazuli light
3—To provide sentient beings with whatever material needs they require
4—To correct heretical views and inspire sentient beings to follow the Path of the Bodhisattva
5—To help beings follow the Moral Precepts, even if they previously failed in such attempts
6—To heal beings born with deformities, illnesses, or pain
7—To relieve the destitute and the sick
8—To assist women who wish to be reborn as men to achieve their desired rebirth
9—To heal mental afflictions and delusions
10—To free the oppressed from suffering
11—To relieve those who suffer from severe hunger and thirst
12—To clothe those who are destitute and suffering from cold and mosquito bites
Compare the present figure to a 15th century Tibetan gilt bronze figure of the Medicine Buddha, sold at Christie's Paris 9 June 2021, lot 86. at 14 1/2 in. high, inclusive of base, the Paris example is of considerably smaller scale, though another rare and important depiction of the figure. Also compare the present work to a gilt-bronze figure of the Medicine Buddha in the collection of Margot and Tom Pritzker (Himalayan Art Resources, item no. 58338). The two figures share similarly soft modeling of the Buddha's seated body, as well as the cold gold and pigments applied to the Buddha's square, serene face. The condition of the present lot, however, exhibits richer gilding and pigmentation.