Page 66 - Sporer Collection of Himalayan bronzes

25
A SILVER- AND COPPER-INLAID BRONZE
FIGURE OF PADMASAMBHAVA
TIBET, 16TH/17TH CENTURY

Seated over a double lotus base with beaded
rims and a lengthy inscription, holding
a skullcup and vajra, wearing incised
voluminous robes, the face with silver- and
copper-inlaid eyes centered by an urna and
fanked by large earrings, topped by a diadem
with the sun and crescent moon at front
8√ in. (22.5 cm.) high

$30,000-50,000

PROVENANCE:

The Sporer Collection, New Jersey,
acquired between 1962 and 1985

PUBLISHED:

Himalayan Art Resource (himalayanart.org),
item no. 24038

Padmasambhava is considered one of the
principal early teachers to bring Buddhism
to Tibet in the 8th century. He is depicted
in numerous forms representing the outer,
inner and secret aspects of his spiritual being.
He is also known by various names, which
generally follow the chronology of his life.
One of the most important fgures to interact
with Padmasambhava was his principle Tibetan
companion Yeshe Tsogyal, who is considered a
manifestation of Saraswati.

64 THE SPORER COLLECTION OF HIMALAYAN SCULPTURE