約十六世紀 西藏銀四臂大黑天神像

喜瑪拉雅藝術資源網編號68324

阿什莫林博物館，牛津，1998-2005年借展
《The Sculptural Heritage of Tibet: Buddhist Art in the Nyingjei Lam Collection》，阿什莫林博物館，牛津，1999年10-12月
《Arte Buddhista Tibetana: Dei e Demoni dell’ Himalaya》，Palazzo Bricherasio，都靈，2004年6-9月
魯賓藝術博物館，紐約，2005-2017年借展
《Casting the Divine: Sculptures of the Nyingjei Lam Collection》，魯賓藝術博物館，紐約，2012-2013年

There are minor bruises to the extremities, and other general surface wear. the sword is very slightly dented. Otherwise good condition.
"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 dharmapala and yidam Mahakala manifests in dozens of forms. The current manifestion of Chaturbhuja Mahakala, a protector of the Chakrasamvara Tantra, is depicted with the primary hands holding a kartrika and kapala filled with amrita; the secondary hands holding a flaming khadga and khatvanga.  

This diminutive figure of Chaturbhuja Mahakala is exceptional in its fine silver casting and exacting detail. The four-armed wrathful deity retains traces of cold gold and polychromy to the face and head, accentuating his flaming hair, eyebrows and beard; three bloodshot eyes; gaping mouth and fearsome fangs. The wild hair is closely cropped and layered, rather than the upward-flowing fiery locks typically associated with Mahakala. Terrifying cobras incised with crosshatching, heads cocked and mouths agape, encircle Mahakala's earrings, torso, sword hilt, wrists and ankles. The wonderfully articulated feet and toes twist and writhe with kinetic energy. 

Mahakala wears the six bone ornaments and an animal skin wrapped around his thick waist. Compare the pinwheel pattern on the dhoti of Mahakala with a similar pinwheel pattern on a thirteenth/fourteenth century bronze figure of Achala, see lot 3104; and also on an early thirteenth century kesi depicting Achala in the Potala Palace, see Valrae Reynolds, et al., On the Path to the Void: Buddhist Art in the Tibetan Realm, Mumbai, 1996, pp. 252-253, fig. 8.