Page 19 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art March 2016 New York

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A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF A KAGYUPA LAMA
Central Tibet, circa 13th century
Steadfast and serene, wearing robes of the early Kagyu order,
the lama gazes out from on top the vajra-throne supported by
lions flanking a vetical vajra and scrolling elements.
3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm) high
$8,000 - 12,000
西藏中部 約十三世紀 噶舉派喇嘛銅像
With an idiosyncratic portrait this charming bronze honors an historic
lama of the early Kagyupa order associated with Drigung, Taklung,
and Densatil monasteries (founded 1179, c.1180 & 1208). Referencing
Shakyamuni’s defeat of Mara at Bodhgaya threefold, he sits on a
throne marked by a vajra flanked by lions, with his right hand in the
earth-touching gesture.
The bronze shares characteristics of the circa 13th-century style,
like silver and copper inlay used to mark the stitching of his sleeveless
jacket and patchwork robe, and its three-tiered base with draped
throw, reflected in a portrait bronze of Phagmo Drupa (1110-1170)
published in Rossi & Rossi, Homage to the Holy, London,
2003, no. 14.
Referenced
HAR - himalayanart.org/items/61403
Provenance
Private Collection, California

INDIAN, HIMALAYAN & SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART | 17