On November 29 in Hong Kong, Bonhams sells a spectacular Tibetan statue of Vajrapani of extreme rarity, lot 108 estimated HK $ 22M. It is unique in its kind by its large size and superb condition.
Vajrapani is the appropriation of Indra by Buddhism. He holds the thunderbolt which takes the feature of a diamond scepter capable of ripping any material or enemy. The Buddhism tames the violence of the terrible warrior into an uncompromising defender of its moral teachings.
The 1.05 m high statue for sale is an assembly of six pieces of cast brass alloy inlaid with copper. The joints are positioned so as to remain invisible to the faithful. The oversized head is painted with cold gold and white and orange pigments. The hollow structure is closed in the back by a plate enabling to preserve ritual offerings.
By comparison of style with a Yuan stone stele showing the same figure, this statue may be dated from the late thirteenth century of our calendar. The turquoise and coral insets are later.
The artist has done everything to symbolize a fierce power : massive proportions, raised arm brandishing the lightning, knee bent by the warrior in action, lower garment decorated with tiger skin, wild facial expression, wide open bulging eyes, flaming beard, and the long fangs at the corners of the mouth.
Please watch the video shared by Bonhams.
SOLD for HK$ 49M including premium
Vajrapani is the appropriation of Indra by Buddhism. He holds the thunderbolt which takes the feature of a diamond scepter capable of ripping any material or enemy. The Buddhism tames the violence of the terrible warrior into an uncompromising defender of its moral teachings.
The 1.05 m high statue for sale is an assembly of six pieces of cast brass alloy inlaid with copper. The joints are positioned so as to remain invisible to the faithful. The oversized head is painted with cold gold and white and orange pigments. The hollow structure is closed in the back by a plate enabling to preserve ritual offerings.
By comparison of style with a Yuan stone stele showing the same figure, this statue may be dated from the late thirteenth century of our calendar. The turquoise and coral insets are later.
The artist has done everything to symbolize a fierce power : massive proportions, raised arm brandishing the lightning, knee bent by the warrior in action, lower garment decorated with tiger skin, wild facial expression, wide open bulging eyes, flaming beard, and the long fangs at the corners of the mouth.
Please watch the video shared by Bonhams.
SOLD for HK$ 49M including premium
Three treasured masterpieces Of #TibetanArt to be offered at #Bonhams #ImagesOfDevotion sale In HongKong 29 Nov. https://t.co/YT0LaQztnM pic.twitter.com/AwUvcDZ2XY
— BONHAMS (@bonhams1793) October 3, 2016
Bonhams HK inaugural #HimalayanArt auction views in NY, w/ pieces from Ulrich von Schroeder https://t.co/OunAr7ZpIA pic.twitter.com/QydYDEGqjZ
— BONHAMS (@bonhams1793) August 28, 2016
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