Page 44 - Bonhams Image of Devotion Hong Kong December 2, 2021

1016
A GILT COPPER ALLOY TREFOIL PLAQUE
DENSATIL, CENTRAL TIBET, 14TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.4508
18.5 cm (7 1/4 in.) high

HKD250,000 - 350,000

丹薩替 藏中 十四世紀 銅鎏金三葉飾板

Built upon the meditation spot of Phagmodrupa Dorje Gyalpo (1110-70), who was
considered a Second Buddha, Densatil monastery housed one of the great artistic
wonders of Tibet. Eight glittering tashi gomang stupas were erected during the
late-13th to 15th centuries, steeped in densely cast and gilded bronze deities. This
beautiful three-lobed plaque would have belonged to one of these golden stupas.

In a triangular configuration, three celestial adorants (vidyadharas) gambol above
a talismanic kirttimukha mask, each smiling and presenting offerings. The plaque
is bordered by a band of openwork foliate sprays bearing wish-fulfilling gems
(cintamani). Trefoil plaques such as this embellished the corners of a Densatil
stupa’s second and third tiers (from top to bottom).

Compare to a closely related plaque at the Rubin Museum of Art, New York (Czaja
& Proser, Golden Visions of Densatil, 2014, pp.160-1, no.41). Also see Christie’s,
Amsterdam, 13 April 1999, lot 85, and Pal, Nepal: Old Images, New Insights,
2005, p.13, fig.6.

Provenance
Private Hong Kong Collection

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