Page 60 - Bonhams Himalayan, Indian Art march 2015

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A gilt zitan figure of Avalokiteshvara
Tibet, circa 15th century
With three heads and the primary hands in anjali mudra, his robes with
traces of finely detailed floral gilt decoration.
11 1/4 in. (28.5 cm) high
$20,000 - 30,000

The tradition of carving statues from sandalwood originates in India,
the prototype being the famous image purportedly commissioned
during Buddha’s lifetime by King Uddayana of Swat Valley.

In the Tibetan context, the famous Nepalese sandalwood image
of Arya-Avalokiteshvara at the Potala, tentatively dated 7th/8th
century, served as the inspiration for numerous copies, establishing
a tradition of sandalwood carvings in Tibet. See von Schroeder,
Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, vol. II, pp. 820-5,
nos. 195 & 196. Two other zitan figures of Avalokitesvara were sold
Sotheby’s, London 13 June 1979, lot 52, and Sotheby’s, London, 11
October, 1995, lot 544.

Referenced
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41222.html

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A copper alloy figure of Nairatmya
Tibet, circa 15th century
Seated in yogasana with the toes of her left foot resting on the
encircling sashes incised around her, she places the curved knife to
the kapala, focusing her gaze intently on the ritual action.
8 3/8 in. (21.2cm) high
$15,000 - 20,000

The enigmatic sculpture emits a serene but assertive presence.
Nairatyma is the consort of Hevajra and second in the lineage of the
‘Path with the Result’, which she transmitted to Virupa, the first human
master. A closely related example of the latter, possibly from the same
set was sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 24 September 1997, lot 98.

The Tibetan inscription around the base reads:
‘The fully ordained monk Sonam Yeshe pays homage to Nairatmya.
This image has been created for the welfare of my mother.’

Referenced
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41239.html

Published
Pratapaditya Pal, Tibet: Tradition and Change, Italy, 1997, p. 132, no. 66.

Exhibited
Tibet: Tradition and Change, The Albuquerque Museum, 18 October
1997 - 18 January 1998, no. 132.

Provenance
Navin Kumar, New York, 1985
Private US Collection

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