Rare Statue Of Bodhidharma Standing In His Monk's Robe, 18th-century Chinese Lost-wax Bronze

This rare 18th-century lost-wax bronze is a true curiosity, featuring remarkable retouching and patina. This beautiful, solid bronze—of incredible density (3.95 kg)—depicts a Chinese Bodhidharma standing in his monk’s robe. Placed on a rug with rolled edges, he stands proudly with a grimacing face, embodying all manner of intentions: a sneer on his raised, skeptical lower lip (he has a bad temper), his beautiful beard and curly hair framing his ears, thick eyebrows; a truly beautiful piece of Chinese antique art, representing some of the most sensational works the country has ever produced... Bodhidharma, originally a Persian Buddhist monk from India, is the legendary founder in China of the Chan School, a contemplative tradition; in Japan, this became the Zen School known in the West; The Chan School claims to trace its origins back to the Buddha and claims that Bodhidharma is considered its 28th Patriarch and its first Chinese Patriarch; a beautiful bronze piece with the head turned to the left, depicted standing on his mat, with prominent features, bushy eyebrows, a beard and mustache, and a slightly arched back as he stands in his long monastic robe, which falls in harmonious folds, his arms crossed over his chest, his hands hidden in his sleeves