Page 16 - Indian and Himalayan Art, March 15, 2017 Sotheby's NYC

206 This sensuously modelled sculpture of Vajradhara demonstrates
the iconic craftsmanship and aesthetic dynamism of the Newari
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE NEW YORK CITY COLLECTION atelier: the low hairline and broad forehead, the rectangular
urna adorning the square face, the aquiline nose reminiscent
A GILT-COPPER FIGURE OF VAJRADHARA of earlier Pala imagery, the short neck and wide powerful
Nepal, circa 15th Century shoulders, the distinctive scarf draped high across the upper
body and looped under each elbow, and the prominent use of
Himalayan Art Resources item no. 13385. semi-precious stone and glass lozenge inlay.
Height: 9 ½ in. (24.2 cm)
This sensuality extends to the smallest details of the sculpture,
PROVENANCE as evidenced in the delicately curved ngers adorned with
Acquired privately, 28 May 1971. small rings, the gracefully splayed toes atop the thighs, the
curly tendrils cascading down the shoulders, and the small
ᅮ$ 100,000-150,000 rows of beading along the girdle festoons.

The embodiment of the mind of enlightenment, Vajradhara is
the source of the Five Dhyani Buddhas which represent the

ve qualities of Buddhahood. Vajradhara is seated crosslegged
in vajraparyankasana atop a double-lotus throne; the hands
crossed in front of the chest in vajrahumkara mudra holding
a ghanta in the left hand and a vajra in the right, signifying the
union of wisdom and compassion.

The ve-pronged crown, representing the Five Dhyani
Buddhas, is inlaid with turquoise and colored glass and marked
with a makara emblem, and secured above the ears with a
streaming sash. This is surmounted by a conical helmet with

aming jewels and vajra nial and adorned with semi-precious
stones and further colored glass lozenges. Vajradhara wears
elaborate jewelry inlaid with turquoise and colored glass, with a
long sash owing under the arms and looped around the neck.

Compare a fteenth century gilt-copper Amitayus formerly in
the Philip Goldman Collection sold in these rooms, 21 March
2002, lot 55, and published in U. von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan
Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 357, pl. 94C.

206 ( )

14 SOTHEBY’S