Page 38 - Bonhams Image of Devotion Hong Kong December 2, 2021

1014
A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF CHAKRASAMVARA
TIBET, 15TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.4510
44.3 cm (17 3/8 in.) high

HKD800,000 - 1,200,000

西藏 十五世紀 勝樂金剛銅像

Chakrasamvara embracing his consort Vajravarahi is one of the most iconic
subjects in Vajrayana Buddhist art. Their union expresses the supreme bliss
of enlightenment attained through the virtues of compassion and wisdom.
Chakrasamvara (lit. ‘wheel of bliss’) is the transformative deity (yidam) at the
heart of the Chakrasamvara Tantra, one of the most important Tantric wisdom
traditions. In his primary hands, he holds a vajra and a ghanta, forming
the vajrahumkara mudra, which symbolizes the dissolution of wisdom and
compassion into one.

Tibetan Buddhist art of the 15th century underwent a stylistic transformation away
from lightly clad, imposing figures in favor of refined vestiture and more delicate
features. This transition is primarily attributed to exposure to Chinese artistic
sensibilities through diplomatic gifts. Sent by early Ming emperors to leading
Tibetan monasteries and ruling families, these included sculpture, painting, and
textiles produced in the imperial workshops. The present sculpture incorporates
some of these refined qualities. The lithe divine couple is bedecked in regalia
that would have been covered by tiny, semi-precious stones. The many arms are
modelled with a convincing sense of balance and proportion. An intricate girdle
encircles Vajravarahi’s waist, and each severed head that hangs on the garland
between Chakrasamvara’s legs is a distinctive portrait.

Other 15th-century bronzes displaying similar crowns, facial types, and slender
proportions include a Guhyasamaja and Kalachakra (HAR 12052 & 30025). The
overall treatment is also related to the style in which a master artist of the 15th
century, Sonam Gyaltsen, is known to have worked, based on an inscribed piece
sold at Bonhams, New York, 19 March 2018, lot 3033. Also see Bonhams, New
York, 16 March 2015, lot 18; and Hong Kong, 2 October 2018, lot 44.

Provenance
Private European Collection, acquired in the 1980s

36 | BONHAMS