Statuette de Vajrapani en bronze Chine, dynastie Qing, marque et époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

debout sur un socle lotiforme, brandissant un sceptre vajra dans la main droite, le visage menaçant auréolé d'un diadème à cinq pointes et d'une chevelure enflammée rouge, marque à sept caractères dans un cartouche rectangulaire sur le socle, deux inscriptions dédicatoires à quatre caractères incisées à l'avant et à l'arrière du socle, traces de pigments et dorure

Good overall condition ; slight old wears as expected ; the base sealed ; the inlaid semi-precious stones are missing ; the actual color is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The present finely cast bronze figure of Vajrapani, 'the Holder of the Vajra' belongs to a well known group of Tibetan Buddhist sculptures made on the orders of the Qianlong emperor. Vajrapani is the bodhisattva who represents the power of all the Buddhas. To many devote Buddhists he came to symbolize the removal of obstacles and the conquest of negativity through fierce determination as seen in the vajra firmly held in his hands.

Compare a statue of Vajrapani illustrated in Cultural Relics of Tibetan Buddhism Collected in the Qing Palace, Hong Kong, 1992, pl.70, together with a figure of Vajradhara cast with a similar seven-character Qianlong mark on the base, as seen on the present example, pl. 73.
See also a larger bronze figure of Trailokyavijayavajra with a seven-character Qianlong mark illustrated in the catalogue of the exhibition Splendors of China's, the Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong, Dallas Museum, 2004-2005, ill. 172.
See further three figures belonging to this special group of Tibetan Buddhist sculptures sold at Christie's Paris, 8 June 2010, lots 311, 312 and 313.