Page 99 - Bonhams Presencer Buddhist Art Collection Oct. 2 2018

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A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF CHAMUNDA In Tibetan Buddhism, the consort of Yama Dhamaraja, Lord of
NEPAL, CIRCA 15TH CENTURY Death, derives the name Chamunda. Pal also draws striking visual
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61663 and conceptual parallels between Hindu Chamunda and wrathful
11 cm (4 1/2 in.) high emanations of Tibetan Buddhism’s Shri Devi (Great Goddess). He
broaches this while discussing the most celebrated bronze example
HK$80,000 - 120,000 of Chamunda, a stylistically related Nepalese bronze held in the Los
Angeles County Museum of Art (M.80.3; Pal, Himalayas: An Aesthetic
Adventure, Chicago, 2003, p.62).
尼泊爾 約十五世紀 恰母妲銅像
Provenance
Few subjects in Asian art rival the dramatic imagery of Chamunda, the John Barnett, London, 2002
emaciated Goddess of Death in Hinduism. According to scripture, she
emerged in battle from the Great Goddess’ rage – her name taken
from the demonic generals, Chanda and Munda, she vanquished.
She is propitiated at charnal grounds as a guardian against foul spirits
that might fester there. Cast here with terrific verve, she arches slightly
forward over her skullcup with a menacing grimace like a wry crone.

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