Page 78 - Bonhams Himalayan, Indian Art march 2015

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A silver figure of Mahakala and Yamari
51 Tibet, circa 18th century
A gilt copper alloy figure of Amitayus enthroned In pratyalidhasana on an ovoid lotus pedestal, each with two legs,
Qing, 18th century six hands holding the ritual knife, fermented skullcup, sword, chakra,
Cast in three parts, the Buddha of long life seated on a double lotus, and triratna, and three wrathful faces enlivened by gold paste.
lotus pedestal above a stepped base, his hands supporting the 4 1/4 in. (10.7 cm) high
elixir of immortality issuing a jewel, ribbons flail beside him while $20,000 - 30,000
he meditates before an elaborate throne back entwined by vines
blooming lotuses and jewels. The sculpture is brilliantly cast, adorning the deities’ with bangles
8 3/8 in. (22.5 cm) high linked by vajras and coiling snakes. The wrathful dharmapala and his
$5,000 - 7,000 consort gaze at each other in heated embrace; their hair adorned with
Referenced fire-like pigments while the flames of pristine awareness encircle them.
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41231.html
Provenance Compare with a silver figure of Lhamo, formerly in the Pan-Asian
Private New York Collection Collection, sold at Christie’s, New York, 20 March 2002, lot 123, and
Acquired in New York in 2009 a silver Vajrabhairava from the same collection sold at Sotheby’s 16 &
17 March 1992, lot 97. Also see a silver figure of Mahapratisara in the
76 | BONHAMS Nyingjei Lam Collection (Weldon & Singer, The Sculptural Heritage of
Tibet, London, 1999, p. 125, pl.29).

Referenced
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41240.html

Provenance
Private American Collection, acquired in 1980s