Page 66 - Indian, Himalaya and Asian Art Bonhams Setp 2015

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A LARGE GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF SHARIPUTRA
Tibeto-Chinese, 18th century
With a kind expression, his supple body draped in the ripples of a sumptuous patchwork robe
with incised hems.
16 1/2 in. (42 cm) high
$30,000 - 50,000
藏漢 十八世紀 銅鎏金舍利子羅漢像
Shariputra is one of Buddha’s two primary disciples. In thangkas, he and Maudgalyayana are
often depicted holding staffs and alms bowls flanking a primary image of Buddha (see lot 60).
With his hands raised as if to hold those same attributes, this is the likely original context for
the present bronze as well.
The consecration panel at the back, administered after casting, possibly indicates that the
sculpture was cast in China before being empowered under worship in Tibet.
Compare with another, formerly in the Goldman Collection, sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 20
March 2002, lot 154, and a pair of standing arhats sold at Poly Auction, Hong Kong, 31 May
2015, lot 3403.
Referenced
HAR - himalayanart.org/items/33032
Provenance
Private American Collection
Acquired in Kathmandu in the early 1960s

64 | BONHAMS