A PAIR OF POLYCHROME WOOD MANUSCRIPT COVERS TIBET, CIRCA 15TH CENTURY |

each of rectangular form, the outer side of one with a central panel depicting the five Tataghatas surrounded by a floral border, the inner side of the former with mantras in Lantsa script, the other with a row of Indian scholars including Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Asanga, Vasubhandu, Dignanga, Dharmakirti, Gunaprabha, Shakyaprabha all identified by inscriptions below, the ends of each profusely carved with a kirtimukha at one end, a trio of seated figures flanked by stupas and Lantsa characters at the other Himalayan Art Resources item no. 13627.

Sotheby's London, April 30, 1992, lot 364.

In good overall condition. Accretion throughout. Abraded loss and subsequent loss to the pigment in the right panel of the cover. Water damage visible in lower right corner of the second panel. Noticeable wear to the perimeter of the second panel with some areas of scraping and minor denting. Affixed to a mount. Versos not examined.
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.

The group of Indian scholars represented depict the most important Indian Buddhist scholars of the Mahayana tradition and are referred to as The Six Ornaments and Two Excellent Ones of the Southern Continent. For more detailed information, see Jeff Watt, himalayanart.org, "Six Ornaments" main page.