- 72
A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF TSONGKAPA QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- gilt bronze
the figure with downcast contemplative expression, wearing a dhoti, shawl and peaked hat, seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base, his hands in dharmachakramudra, the gesture of teaching
Condition
The figure has a circa 5cm., wide crescent-shaped dent to the top front edge of the lotus base, further small dents around the edge of the base, the figure is slightly depressed into the top of the lotus base, and there are light scratches to the gilded decoration. The base is sealed.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) is a revered Tibetan religious philosopher, and a central figure of the Gelugpa sect that ruled Tibet until the middle of the 20th century. His importance is discussed by Patricia Ann Berger in Empire of Emptiness: Buddhist Art and Political Authority in Qing China, Hawaii, 2003, p. 60, who notes that he occupies the premier position at the apex of the top central medallion in five versions of paintings where Qianlong is portrayed as a lama.
A related figure of Tsongkhapa was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28th November 2005, lot 1609. See also a much larger sculpture in the Folkens Museum Etnografiska, Stockholm, included in the exhibition Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, 1991, cat. no. 96.