Page 43 - Bonhams Himalayan, Indian Art march 2015

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There are a number of small Virupa bronzes in museums, but few are as sweet as this one. Its
high copper content and fine modeling indicate the superior craftsmanship of Newari sculptors
commissioned by Tibetan patrons. His left leg leans into the yogapatana while his toes press
against the antelope skin spread underneath. Resting his weight on his right hand, he is
relaxed but robust. More than pleasing to the eye, the sculpture’s numerous bumps and swells
also create various textures that are delight on the fingertips, attested to by the gilding’s wear-
pattern produced from centuries of ritual handling.

This bronze has a ‘brother’ from the same workshop held in The Rietberg Museum. Both sit
on gilded bases with distinctive beaded rims that harken back to the Pala style. The Rietberg
Virupa has been attributed to the Khasa Malla kingdom, which controlled much of West
Nepal and West Tibet between the 12th and 14th centuries. It uses a silver alloy, possibly to
emphasize Virupa’s dark skin, as he is sometimes portrayed. Meanwhile, the present sculpture
has a more majestic presence, depicting him with a crown in a more commanding posture.

Referenced
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41260.html

Provenance
Private European Collection
Acquired from the Private Collection of Ulrich von Schroeder in the late 1980s/early 90s

Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art | 41