The big three auction house are all going to hold “Himalayan Art” sales, each with its own signature item. The first to come is Bonhams New York, among its 150 lots, the one with the highest estimate is a gilt copper alloy figure of Vajravarahi from the Densatil Monastery.

The figure was crafted during 14th century, originated from the Densatil Monastery. Vajravarahi, the deity who is particularly associated with the Cakrasamvara Tantra, is standing in a dancing posture on a human body. The Densatil Monastery in Tibet was destroyed during the 1960s, luckily photos were taken in the 1940s by foreign photographer. By comparing the Vajravarahi figures in the Densatil photos and the present lot, experts found out that the former and the latter are almost identical.

There are two lots which listed as the 2nd highest estimate. The first one is a copper alloy figure of Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. The figure is in a full lotus seating posture, with a nine-hooded cobra above, and its alloy is composed of various individual donations of metal that were melt down to form the solid icon. The second one is a stone plague crafted in the Pala period, packed with stories about the life of Buddha. This plague is only 12.1cm high, served as a portable artifact to spread Buddhism at that time.

Sale Details

Auction House: Bonhams New York
Sale: Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art
Sale No.: 23739
No. of Lot: 150
Viewing:
2017/3/9-12  10am-5pm
2017/3/13  10am-12pm
Sale Time: 2017/3/13  3pm

Top Lots

A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF VAJRAVARAHI DENSATIL, 14TH CENTURY

Lot No.: 3035
Height: 41.3cm
Estimate: US$200,000 - 300,000

A LARGE IRIDESCENT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF PARSHVANATHA, CENTRAL OR WESTERN INDIA, CIRCA 15TH CENTURY

Lot No.: 3109
Height: 35.5cm
Estimate: US$100,000 - 150,000

A STONE PLAQUE WITH SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF BUDDHA, NORTHEASTERN INDIA, PALA PERIOD, CIRCA 12TH CENTURY

Lot No.: 3019
Height: 12.1cm
Estimate: US$100,000 - 150,000