An old label which was removed read "HART225 2.10.66"

Cast bronze sculpture decorated with multicolored enamels on a turquoise field.

Japanese cast bronze sculpture of a Bodhisattva seated on an elephant which has jeweled trappings and a large champleve enameled saddle cloth. The Bodhisattva has a bare breast and champleve enameled lower garments and wears a simple jeweled crown and three collar necklace. There is a round object in the figure's right hand and a long, thin rope-type object in his left hand. This is a temple piece, of excellent style and quality. The enamels resemble characteristic Ming cloisonnés in material, with stony texture and soft, harmonious colors. This is thought to be a Japanese piece because of the skill with which the casting was made, and because it was acquired with other related bronzes that seem to be unmistakably Japanese. The modelling of the figure and particularly of the elephant are masterful, free of the distortions that are often found in such work.

This object has the following keywords:

• Buddhism
• Cloisonné
• Japanese religious figures
• Statuary

This object is a member of the following portfolios: