Page 16 - Bonhams Chinese and Himalayan Paintings June 2016

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8016

PROPERTY FROM VARIOUS OWNERS 8016
AN IRON AND COPPER ALLOY MOUNTED
8015 VAJRAKILA PHURBA
A GILT LACQUERED WOOD MANUSCRIPT COVER Tibet, circa 14th century
Tibet, circa 15th century 10in (25.4cm) long
Incised in openwork design to depict the diminutive Wisdom Buddhas
giving host among the three enthroned primary figures of Shakyamuni, $2,000 - 3,000
Prajnaparamita and Manjusri.
10 1/8 x 29 1/8in (25.7 x 74cm) 西藏 約十四世紀 普巴金剛橛

$3,000 - 5,000 The purbha is thought to be capable of transmuting vice and
egocentrism into benevolent compassion. According to legend,
西藏 約十五世紀 漆金木經板 Padmasambhava introduced the magic dagger to Tibet to subdue
forces hostile to Buddhism. Compare the form to one sold at
Compare the openwork treatment of this rare and distinctive Bonhams, New York, 17 March 2014, lot 23.
manuscript cover to one in Selig Brown, Protecting Wisdom, Munich,
2012, pp. 168-9, no. 38. Please note that this lot is being offered without reserve.
(無底價拍品)
This is the most auspicious triad for a sutra cover, as the two deities
associated with the perfection of Transcendental Wisdom flank its
mortal progenitor. Also distinctive are the flat mandorlas before which
Prajnaparamita and Manjushri appear with their attendants. The design
correlates to Newari stone steles dating between 15th-17th centuries.
One such example was sold at Bonhams, New York, 17 September
2014, lot 3.

14 | BONHAMS