Page 14 - Bonhams NYC Portraits of the Masters Bronzes march 2017

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A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF KALIKA A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF AJITA
TIBET, 18TH CENTURY TIBET, 18TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.2245 Himalayan Art Resources item no.2243
4 in. (10.3 cm) high 4 3/8 in. (11.3 cm) high

US$6,000 - 8,000 US$6,000 - 8,000

西藏 十八世紀 銅鎏金迦裡迦像 西藏 十八世紀 銅鎏金阿氏多像

Identified by the pair of earrings in his hands, the arhat Kalika sits This small portrait depicts arhat Ajita as a meditating hermit clad in
contently with his head slightly tilting to the left. Embracing poverty, thick robes and a heavy hood, a standard iconographic portrayal of
Kalika is said to live in cemeteries, and has no possessions other than the master. He is rooted on a two-tiered cushion, which would have
his robes, begging bowl, and a pair of earrings. His state of mind, been placed in a cave on Mt Rsi (“Mountain of Sages”), where the
completely free from worldly desires, is vividly captured by the present arhat resides after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha.
figure.
The name Ajita means “The Unsubdued”, probably related to the
Kalika made it his mission to lead all sentient beings to the path, story of his successful fetching of a princess with the most excellent
starting by converting his own parents to Buddhism. Among his many of elephants, in order to have King Prasenajit agree to their marriage.
conversions are the gods of one of the Kamaloka heavens, who This talented young man eventually abandoned his wealth and power,
offered Kalika their earrings, which have become his iconographic and became one of the sixteen disciples of Buddha.
attribute.
Published
Published Portraits of the Masters, pp.78-9, no.2.
Portraits of the Masters, pp.82-3, no.4.
Published & Exhibited
Published & Exhibited Monasterios y Lamas del Tibet, p.155, no.102.
Monasterios y Lamas del Tibet, p.149, no.97.

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