A GILT-BRONZE PORTRAIT OF A KARMA KAGYÜ HIERARCH TIBET, 16TH – 17TH CENTURY

the lama seated in vajraparyankasana atop an antelope skin and large cushion, with downcast eyes and a meditative expression, the right hand resting on the right knee and the left hand holding a flaming jewel, wearing inner and outer patchwork robes incised with geometric and foliate motifs

Himalayan Art Resources item no. 13450

Christie's London, 11th December 1973, lot 36.

Good overall condition with just minor bruising to the extremities, rubbing to the gilding and other general surface wear. The base is sealed and intact.
"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."

This majestic figure of an unknown lama, possibly a hierarch from the Kagyü lineage, is a very fine example of Tibetan portraiture. Historical figures depicted in bronze can be identified through a dedicatory inscription; through distinguishing physical characteristics commonly associated with canonized figures; through their clothing or personal attributes; through iconography including mudra, posture or attribute; or, most often, through a combination of all of these.

The large cushion upon which the lama sits atop an antelope skin indicates that the sculpture was made during his lifetime or shortly after his death, as it was the convention to portray living figures seated on a cushion rather than on a lotus throne. The richly embellished hems of the outer robe on the current work, heightened with geometric and foliate motif, indicate an important ordained or monastic figure. Further, the depiction atop a deer or antelope skin indicates the mahasiddha appearance and the attainment of mahamudra. The flaming jewel in the left hand provides an identifying attribute, often associated with lamas in the Karma Kagyü tradition. Further, Karma Kagyü lamas are frequently depicted with a particular kind of foliate motif in the embellished hems of their outer robes, such as in the present lot.

Compare the cushion on the present lot with a sixteenth century bronze portrait depicting the Fifth Karmapa, Deshin Shekpa, see Donald Dinwiddie, et al., Portraits of the Masters: Bronze Sculptures of the Tibetan Buddhist Lineages, Chicago, 2003, pp. 166-9, cat. no. 31. Compare also a sixteenth century bronze portrait of a Kagyü lama with rounded cushion atop an antelope skin from the Carolyn and Wesley Halpert Collection, see Himalayan Art Resources item no. 90810.