Statuette of the Arhat Bakula. Tibet, 17th century.... Lot 430

Statuette of the Arhat Bakula. Tibet, 17th century. H 16.6cm, W 11.2cm. Bronze hollow cast. Bakula, a disciple of the Buddha who finally attained nirvana as an arhat, is famous for having carried the Buddha's teachings to the Himalayan countries together with 15 other arhats. He is depicted sitting cross-legged, his right hand with a jewel between his fingers in the Vitarka Mudra gesture, his left hand holding the mongoose that characterizes him. The latter stands for the power to understand the Buddha's teachings and the shunyata, the attainment of the six paramitas (transcendent virtues) and for love and compassion for all living beings. Dark patina, the underside was subsequently closed with a metal sheet, intact. Provenance: From the private collection of H. N. in Franconia, in this collection since 1988.