A small bronze figure of Ganesha, Southern India, circa 16th century

Collection of Gerd Wolfgang Essen (1930-2007), acquired in 1976, and thence by descent.

The Essen collection, the life’s work of the German theological scholar, Gerd-Wolfgang Essen (1930-2007), was acquired for the Museum der Kulturen in Basel in 1998 by the philanthropist Catherine Oeri. It comprised 750 Tibetan works of art including two hundred thangkas and an extensive collection of ritual utensils, masks, musical instruments, books and temple furniture and textiles.

Gerd-Wolfgang Essen kept back a small number of pieces to enjoy at home. Some of these are being offered by his descendants in this auction, including an exquisite bronze figure of Indra, lot 828.