Mark Rasmussen
International Director
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Lot 17
A copper and copper alloy repoussé figure of Padmasambhava Tibet, 15th century
17 March 2014, 13:00 EDT
New YorkUS$20,000 - US$30,000
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A copper and copper alloy repoussé figure of Padmasambhava
Tibet, 15th century
Of exquisite repoussé in three parts: base, figure, and crown; the adept sits on a lotus throne wearing voluminous and elaborately patterned robes, his right hand holding the vajra before the chest, his left supporting the scented kapala.
6 1/4 in. (15.8 cm) high
Of exquisite repoussé in three parts: base, figure, and crown; the adept sits on a lotus throne wearing voluminous and elaborately patterned robes, his right hand holding the vajra before the chest, his left supporting the scented kapala.
6 1/4 in. (15.8 cm) high
Footnotes
The wonderfully rounded and squat proportions of this figure is unusual compared other to portraits of Padmasambhava, suggesting the artist took inspiration from local models, or perhaps inspired by the likeness of the patron. A likeness can been seen in the earlier portrait of Phakmo Drupa in the Cleveland Museum of Art, see Weldon and Casey, The Sculptural Heritage of Tibet, London, 1999, p. 135, no. 51.
His stern expression is barely discernible other than the incised scrolls at the brows, and short, broad nose with full cheeks seem to match the great volume of his robes. The elegant outer robe broad with delicately incised floral patterns, especially prominent at the back compares favorably to a lama portrait formerly in the Goldman Collection sold at Sotheby's, New York, 21 March 2002, lot 115.