Page 94 - Bonhams Presencer Buddhist Art Collection Oct. 2 2018

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A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF YAMA DHARMARAJA
QIANLONG PERIOD (1735-1796)
Cast in two parts, with original consecrations of both the figure and
base intact.
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61658
17.8 cm (7 in.) high

HK$400,000 - 600,000

乾隆時期（1735-1796）銅鎏金閻魔護法像

According to the Vajrabhairava Tantra, Manjushri took the form of Yama
Dharmaraja to subdue Death (‘Yama’), the personification of endless
suffering through the cycle of death and rebirth. As this tantra is widely
practiced in Tibetan Buddhism, Yama Dharmaraja can be found as an
important wisdom deity in all traditions including the Sakya, Kagyu,
and Gelug schools. He holds special significance for the Gelugpa, who
regard him, alongside Shadbhuja Mahakala and Vaishravana, as one of
the order’s three principal protectors.

This finely executed gilded bronze is full of power and vigor. The
buffalo-headed deity is classically depicted astride his bull mount,
waiving a skull-headed mace in his right hand. Yama Dharmaraja’s
bulging eyes, bared fangs, and flaming hair are especially evocative of
his ferocious nature. Further details such as the flaring nostrils and the
delicate jewels of his bull-mount indicate a level of craftsmanship on
par with imperial workshops.

Compare to a similar sized bronze Yama Dharmaraja sold at Bonhams,
New York, 18 September 2013, lot 23. Also see other examples
published in Pal, The Art of Tibet, New York, 1969, p.102, pl.72;
von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong 1981, pp.550-1,
no.157E; and Neven, Art Lamaique, Bruxelles, 1975, pl.87.

Provenance
Beagle Gallery, London, 1992

92 | BONHAMS