A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF CANDA VAJRAPANI YUNNAN, NANZHAO KINGDOM, CIRCA 9TH CENTURY

cast standing in alidhasana over a prostrate figure, the right arm raised clutching a vajra, skirted with a garment and a string of skulls around the waist, the upper body adorned with a naga and long billowing scarf around the shoulders, the ferocious face with bulging eyes and an opened mouth revealing bared fangs, the flaming hair surmounted by a crown of skulls

Good overall condition with just minor dents and surface wear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Another similar bronze figure of Canda Vajrapani of the same size in the collection of the Jokhang, Lhasa, is illustrated in Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Vol. II, Tibet and China, Hong Kong, 2001, p. 768, 182A-B, where he identifies this group of powerfully modelled sculptures as being made in the Nanzhao Kingdom, current day Yunnan province, in the 9th century. It shares distinct similarities with the rock-sculptures of the Shizhongshan area. Compare also another example illustrated in Li Kunsheng, Nanzhao daliguo diaoke huihua yishu, Yunnan, 1999, no. 283, pl. 264.