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2006, lot 812. A small figure of Vajrabhairava in the Rubin Museum Exhibiting all the typical stylistic characteristics of the Yongle period
of Art also shows five diminutive figures similarly positioned (www. – with the exquisite modeling, rich gilding, and jewelry arrangement
himalayanart.org/image.cfm/65486.html). However, the convention – the figure is impressive in its scale and unique poise. Unlike the
does not seem to be ubiquitous for the period, as another sculpture in classic representations of Buddhas and bodhisattvas produced in the
the Sandor Fuss Collection (Rossi+Rossi, 2007, no. 10), and a large- imperial workshops of the Yongle period, this unique and, ‘inspired
scale example sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 25 March 1998, lot 122, composition reveals a great freedom of artistic imagination...The
show the gods under Vajrabhairava’s feet. powerful posture of the deity is enhanced by striking movements,
creating a sense of dynamic force, and is mesmerizing from all angles.’
The other five known figures from this group of eight include Kartikeya, (Marcel Neis, asianart.com/exhibitions/nies02/9.html)
sold at Bonhams, London, 11 November 2010, lot 243; Indra,
formerly in the Philip Goldman collection, sold at Sotheby’s, New York, Referenced
21 March 2002, lot 152; Brahma and Chandra, in the Powerhouse HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41232.html
Museum in Sydney, Australia (231A-1 & 2); and Vishnu, formerly with
Marcel Nies and Sotheby’s, New York, 24 September 1997, lot 112. Provenance
The location of the figures of Shiva and Ganesh are presently unknown Sotheby’s, London, 11 June 1985, lot 218
and yet to be published. Private English Collection, 1985-2014
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