Page 125 - Himalayan Art Macrh 19 2018 Bonhams

3053
A GILT COPPER ALLOY REPOUSSÉ FIGURE
OF MAKARAMUKHA
DOLONNOR, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.12938
16 7/8 in. (40.9 cm) high

$10,000 - 15,000
多倫諾爾 清朝 十八世紀 銅鎏金錘疊獸像護法

Makaramukha is one of two primary attendants to the important Shri
Devi, who manifests most popularly as the fierce goddesses Palden
Lhamo and Magzor Gyalmo. Makaramukha typically appears in front,
leading Shri Devi’s mule, while Simhamukha follows at the back,
as illustrated in a vibrant thangka at the Rubin Museum of Art (acc.
no.C2009.7).

Here she is modeled and chased with captivating motion and details.
Striding forward with her right hand raised to grab the reins of Shri
Devi’s mule, her makara face gazes towards the sky with mouth
agape, exposing her outstretched tongue and bared fangs. Each lock
of her hair is meticulously delineated, with incised features around her
jowls. The flayed human-skin at her back and the skull between her
antlers further intensify her wrathful nature.

Provenance
Private Georgian Collection, acquired in Moscow, early 20th century
Sotheby’s, New York, 17 March 2015, lot 1038
Private Collection, New York

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