Page 47 - Maitri CollectionAsian Art Bonhams

3208
A COPPER FIGURE OF VAJRADHARA The primordial Buddha seems eternally resting in meditation in this
TIBET, 13TH/14TH CENTURY gentle figure. Vajradhara is the progenitor of the Vajrayana Buddhist
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61517 system, typically occupying the first position in most teaching
5 3/4 in. (13 cm) high lineages. He represents the highest state of enlightenment, its abstract
perfection, and the sum of all Buddhist teachings.

$15,000 - 20,000
The sculpture’s distinctive petals, derived from Licchavi models,
vaulted baseplate underneath, and the dark, copper alloy are indicative
西藏 十三/十四世紀 金剛總持銅像 of an early and unusual style informed by Newari craftsmen working
in Tibet, shared by examples published by von Schroeder in Buddhist
Sculptures in Tibet, Vol.II, Hong Kong, 2003, pp.1156-9, nos.305D-E
& 306E, and one sold at Bonhams, New York, 13 March 2017, lot
3024.

Provenance
Collection of Ben Meulenbeld, former Curator of the Tropenmuseum,
Amsterdam, 1970s-2013
Marcel Nies Oriental Art, Antwerp
Acquired from the above at TEFAF Maastricht, March 2014

THE MAITRI COLLECTION OF INDIAN, HIMALAYAN & SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART | 45