Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

Ming Dynasty Bronze Figure of the Infant Buddha

About the Item

A rare and unusual Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze figure of the Buddha as an infant. The young Prince Siddhartha, who would grow up to become the Buddha, is portrayed standing, one hand pointing to the sky, the other to the ground. He is naked, save for a baby apron decorated with a lotus pattern, one of the symbols of Buddhism. In this depiction, he stands upon a rocky outcrop, a dragon rising up to shower him with water. Remnants of gilding throughout. This figure of the Buddha represents an event just after his birth in the Lumbini Grove, where he sprang from Queen Maya's side, able to talk and walk. His first action was to point one hand towards the sky, the other towards the earth, and proclaim: "As in the Heavens above, and the Earth below, I alone am the World Honored One. All that exists in the Three Worlds is suffering, but I will bring comfort." Upon this proclamation, the infant Buddha and his mother, Queen Maya, were showered with fragrant blossoms, and streams of pure water. Figures of the Infant Buddha are often venerated on the Buddha's birthday, where they are showered with purified water.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
  • Style:
    Ming (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1468-1644
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. In excellent condition with no losses or repairs. Wear to the gilding.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU89475156073

More From This Seller

View All
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and serene Chinese Ming dynasty carved wood figure of the Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of long life, and a form of Amitabha Buddha. He is seated in dhyanassana, dressed in...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda
Located in Austin, TX
Ananda is portrayed in a typical fashion, as a youthful monk with a shaved head and dressed in simple robes. He stands upon a double lotus pedestal with hands clasped in front of him...
Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Chinese late Ming dynasty bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guanyin (Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin), 17th century, China  The figure well cast in two ...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A decidingly charming Chinese polychromed and gilt cast bronze figure of Nanhai Guanyin, Guanyin of the South Sea, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th century, China. Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed here as a beatific figure seated upon a raised lotus pedestal over waves. Guanyin is dressed in heavy robes, and wears an elaborate headdress. The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the headdress positively identifies this figure as Guanyin. Guanyin rests one hand in his lap, holding a cup of pure water said to be able to alleviate all suffering. His other hand is raised, holding a willow branch which is used to sprinkle the healing waters. The two lotus blossoms to either side of Guanyin would originally have supported figures of the acolytes...
Category

Antique Early 1600s Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Tall Attendant Figure, 16th-17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A tall Chinese green and amber glazed figure of an attendant, Ming Dynasty, 16th-17th century, China. The figure stands upon an integral plinth, dressed in long robes...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive carved wood figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as Guanyin in China, late Ming Dynasty, early 17th century, China. Guanyi...
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gesso, Wood

You May Also Like

Chinese Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Monkey Sculpture with Infant Monkey
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Chinese Ming dynasty hand carved stone monkey sculpture. This Chinese sculpture features a monkey figure, sitting on a rock formation, holding a square item, perhaps a...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese bronze metal Buddha sculpture depicted sitting. Beautifully crafted in the Ming style with intricate details. The bronze has a rich pat...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Bronze

A large wood Buddha/Guanyin with traces of pigments Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
By Master
Located in Vienna, AT
A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN WITH TRACES OF PIGMENTS MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) The bodhisattva is shown seated in padmasana, wearing long flowing ro...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved Wood Budda
Located in Dallas, TX
A carved wood Budda from the Shanxi region, made during the Ming Dynasty. The carved figure has an ancient polychrome finish.
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved Wood Teaching Buddha in Ming Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A statue of standing Buddha (Shakyamuni), finely carved out a single block of wood (might be cypress based on the wood grains). Attired in a flowing robe with open chest, the Buddha ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Sancai Glazed Buddhist Arhat, Ming Dynasty, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This imposing figure is the head of an Arhat, a Buddhist devotee who has attained enlightenment, also called a “Luohan.” The eighteen original Arhat are the personal disciples of Buddha and the guardians of Buddhist adherents. Each is represented with a unique disposition, posture, and distinctive symbol. This exquisitely formed monumental ceramic Arhat dates to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and has likely been separated from its original full body sculpture...
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Recently Viewed

View All