Page 80 - Bonhams Himalayan, Indian Art march 2015

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A parcel-gilt silver Chakrasamvara shrine
Tibet or Mongolia, circa 18th century
Chakrasamvara in union with his consort and holding his prescribed attributes; the shrine box
with hinged doors and embossed panels depicting paired kinnaras.
Figure: 5 in. (15 cm) high; Shrine box: 7 1/8 in. (18 cm) high
$40,000 - 60,000
The diminutive figure of Chakrasamvara is finely cast with four heads and twelve arms, Samvara
embraces his consort Vajravarahi with his two primary hands crossed at the wrists, holding a the
vajra and ghanta. The outer arms hold various attributes including the long khatvanga staff. The
figure stands on two prostrated Hindu deities, set on a plain rectangular base.
The use of gaus (shrine boxes) is common throughout the Himalayas. Whereas those used
for travel typically have a window to reveal the figure inside, the present lot would have likely
occupied a private altar, storing the deity until the appropriate practice. The base is covered by
a sliding copper plate that reveals a small brocaded cushion on which to display the figure.
Its pointed arch form is superbly detailed and proportioned. Compare the quality with a ritual
chakra at Rehol published in Wang, Qinggong Micang: Chengde Bishushanzhuang Zangchuan
Fojiao Wenwu Tezhan Tulu, Taipei, 1999, p. 150, no. 63. A related shrine box formerly in Sartin
Collection was sold at Bonhams, New York, 13 September 2011, lot 1031.
Referenced
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41241.html
Provenance
Sotheby’s New York, September 20, 1985, lot 32
Private US Collection

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