Page 66 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art March 2016 New York

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A LARGE GILT COPPER ALLOY REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF PADMASAMBHAVA
Tibet, 17th century
Guru Rinpoche seated in vajraparyankasana on an ungilded lotus pedestal, holding the
vajra, kapala and khatvanga, and wearing his characteristic cap with upturned lappets
and vajra finial; the hair, eyes and mouth with traces of pigment in the Tibetan custom.
26 1/4 in. (66.5 cm) high
$40,000 - 60,000

西藏 十七世紀 銅鎏金錘疊蓮花生大士像
The sculpture depicts the Indian Padmasambhava teacher who brought Buddhism to Tibet.
His robes are superbly modeled and chased, giving the impression of multiple layers with finely
brocaded hems of foliate and cloud design. His graceful and voluminous ringed fingers are
perhaps the best testament to the repoussé master’s skill.
In discussion Padmasambhava’s famed legend, Jacob Dalton writes:
‘Padmasambhava was born amidst miraculous circumstances and grew up a prince in
Oḍḍiyāna, in northwestern India. As a youth, the prince turns to tantric practice, and before
long, the local people force his father, the king, to send him into exile. Padmasambhava then
travels around India, receiving teachings and practicing in sacred charnel grounds. Eventually
he arrives in Yanglesho, where he gathers the texts of Vajrakīla; ends a drought by defeating
some troublesome local spirits; and gains realization. While in Nepal, he receives King Tri
Songdetsen’s invitation and proceeds to Tibet, where he battles a now much-expanded series
of local Tibetan spirits; helps to establish Samye; and leaves while pronouncing many ominous
prophecies regarding the future of Buddhism in Tibet.’ http://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/
view/Padmasambhava/7442
Compare a parcel-gilt silver repoussé figure of Padmasambhava in the aspect of Nyima Oser
sold Bonhams, New York, 13 September 2011, lot 1021. Also compare other large-scale
Padmasambhavas sold Sotheby’s, New York, 2 December 1992, lot 57, and 20 September
2005, lot 30, as well as one in the Zimmerman Family Collection (Rhie & Thurman, Wisdom
and Compassion, New York, 1996, p. 173, no. 47).
Referenced
HAR - himalayanart.org/items/61433
Provenance
Dr. Jack Light, New York, acquired in 1962

64 | BONHAMS