Page 20 - Decorative Asian Art, Bonhams San Francisco June 28, 2017

6043 6043
A THANGKA OF VAJRABHAIRAVA
6044 The multi-headed wrathful incarnation
6045 of Manjusri displaying typically elaborate
iconography encircled by a flaming halo, below
18 | BONHAMS a small image of Tsongkapa as identified by his
book and sword and above a small image of
Yama and consort, all on a stylized landscape
background of mountains, clouds, dragons and
offerings.
28in (71cm) height of image exclusive of mount

US$1,000 - 1,500

6044
A THANGKA OF SHAKYAMUNI AND
ARHATS
Of horizontal rectangular section, depicting
the historical Buddha holding his hands in
the varada and abhaya mudras and standing
within a rainbow colored mandorla flanked by
Kasyapa and Ananda within a landscape of 18
disciples accompanied by additional celestials
or attendants floating upon a stylized churning
sea beneath multi-hued clouds.
23 x 31in (58.4 x 78.7cm)

US$1,000 - 1,500

PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF GARRY
SHANDLING

6045
TWO RARE AND UNUSUAL GILT
LACQUERED MANUSCRIPT COVERS
Tibet, circa 12th century
Of typical horizontal rectangular section, incised
in gilt and red lacquer.
15 3/4in (40cm) long

US$2,000 - 3,000

In discussion of a related cover with
architectural features in the Barry MacLean
collection, Selig Brown draws comparison
to the architecture of Lalung Serkhang in
the Western Himalayas, founded in the 12th
century, helping to inform the cover’s dating
(see Selig Brown, Protecting Wisdom, New
York, 2012, pp.72-3, no.11). Equally rare and
unusual, the smaller gilded cover with the
Five Wisdom Buddhas draws a close likeness
to Pala idioms in its figures and lotus petals,
suggesting a date earlier than the majority of
Tibetan manuscript covers.

Provenance
Estate of Garry Shandling (1949-2016) by early
2000s

Garry Shandling (1949-2016), the beloved
late comedian, had practiced Buddhism since
his twenties. He was a longtime follower of
Thich Nhat Hanh’s zen tradition and helped
found Deer Park Monastery in Escondido,
Southern California. In his comedy, he would
often play with the teachings of mindfulness,
impermanence, self, and ego. Regarded within
the entertainment community as a sincere
and generous personality, he formed lasting
friendships and touched many people’s lives.