Important et rare ensemble de Yamantaka Vajrabhairava et Vajravetali en bronze doré Dynastie Ming, milieu du XVE siècle, avec un magnifique trône impérial en bronze doré incrusté, Dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong

la statuette finement sculptée et richement dorée, représentant Yamantaka à la tête de bœuf, la bouche ouverte aux lèvres enflammées révélant des dents acérées, les narines évasées, la tête principale entourée de huit têtes regardant dans toutes les directions, un troisième œil sur le front de chaque visage, coiffées d’un diadème perlé et d’une couronne à fleurons ornée de crânes, un troisième œil apparaissant sur le front de chaque visage, ses mains principales tenant le kattrika et le kapala, accouplé à sa parèdre tenant les mêmes attributs, ses trente-deux bras secondaires disposés en éventail en double rangée tenant des attributs autour de son torse nu orné de riches bijoux, les épaules couvertes d’une guirlande de têtes coupées, vêtu d'un riche tablier à décor de chaînes perlées et de motifs ajourés fleurdelisés, ses seize jambes en pratyalidhasana piétinant des oiseaux et des démons allongés sur une base lotiforme scellée d’époque postérieure, dynastie Qing ; avec un important socle étagé en bronze doré incrusté de pierres dures de forme rectangulaire à ressaut central orné des trois joyaux de Bouddha, le triratna, flanqué de quatre lions et de piliers en applique, entouré d’une double frise de cartouches polylobés et de pétales stylisés, surmonté par une torana en bronze doré à décor de nuées et de flammes à triple bordure ajourée enserrant une plaque de bronze poli simulant un miroir, le darpana (7)

Ader, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 26th-27th May 1955, lot 237.
Private collection, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France (by repute).
Collection Guy Dulon, Beauchamp, France (by repute). 
French private collection since the mid-1980s.

The group comprises the separately cast figural group of Yamantaka Vajrabhairava and Vajravetali, the stand, the throne and mandorla. The figure group of Yamantaka Vajrabhairava and Vajravetali is of mid-15th century date, the associated stand of 18th century date and the associated throne and mandorla date to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. The throne is heavily cast and richly gilt. It is 26.5cm wide and 16.5cm deep. It is of stepped form, with a galleried rim to the top. All ornamental parts on the three sides of the throne are cast and applied. The stones later additions. There is some overall very light wear to the raised parts of the design. There are scattered casting flaws that were filled in with rectangular strips of varying size contemporary with the casting of the throne, particularly to the flat top. There is a ca. 3cm wide part on the lower rim of the throne below the central cartouche that has been reinforced on the inside rim of the base. The mandorla is heavily cast and richly gilt. It is 40cm high without the two 'feet'. The mirror-plaque is made of sheet metal and is made separately, attached and held in place by four small hinges at the back of the mandorla. There is overall very light wear to the gilding to the raised parts of the design. The figural group of of Yamantaka Vajrabhairava and Vajravetali is heavily and gilt. It is 27cm tall without the two plugs and 30,4 cm with plugs. The centre tip at the bottom of Yamantakha's skirt has broken off and been reattached. The majority of attributed held in his hands is missing. Two fingertips on one of the figure's right hand are broken off and missing. At least one of the four ribbons flanking his many legs on both sides is a later replacement. There is light overall wear to the gilding which could do with a general cleaning. The stand is heavily cast. It is 22cm long, the base has been opened but is loosely closed. There is overall wear to the surface.
"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."