- 469
A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF CHAKRASAMVARA AND VAJRAVARAHI CHINA, MING DYNASTY, LATE 15TH CENTURY
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description
- bronze
cast in alidhasana on prostrate figures of Bhairava and Kalaratri, the male figure with four heads, surmounted by a jatamukata flanked by a vajra and crescent moon, holding various attributes in his multiple hands, the primary hands holding a vajra and bell crossed around his consort in embrace, she with one leg wrapped around him, holding a skull cup and chopper, both figures adorned with garlands of severed heads and skulls, wearing tiaras and festooned beaded skirts
Condition
The inlay, three attributes and the animal skin held over the back are missing. The feet of the animal skin remain in the uppermost pair of hands. There is a chip to the back plate, signs of general wear and light wear to the gilding.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Chakrasamvara, whose name means 'joined to the wheel of wisdom and bliss' is portrayed locked in embrace with his consort Vajravarahi. Their tantric embrace symbolizes the union of skillful means and wisdom.
In Chakrasamvara's raised hands he holds the feet of a now-lost elephant skin. In his other hands he holds double-sided drum, flaying knife, elephant goad, skull cup, and the four-faced severed head of Brahma. The other attributes, cast separately, have been lost with time and include the lasso, arrow, trident and ritual staff.
In Chakrasamvara's raised hands he holds the feet of a now-lost elephant skin. In his other hands he holds double-sided drum, flaying knife, elephant goad, skull cup, and the four-faced severed head of Brahma. The other attributes, cast separately, have been lost with time and include the lasso, arrow, trident and ritual staff.
The trampling of Bhairava and Kalaratri underfoot, show the dominance of Chakrasamvara and Vajravahi over these Hindu gods.
Himalayan Art Resources item no. 12863.