Details: A rare and very attractive 18th century wooden polychrome image of Amitayus from Tibet. Amitayus , the Buddha of infinite life, is represented here in his traditional iconography. He sits deep in contemplation, in the diamond posture, upon a lotus throne, with both hands flat in the contemplation gesture, holding a vase containing the “Elixir of Life” (water, saffron, and nectar pills) with a stylized “three of life” on top of it. ...click for details
Details: An attractive and unusual wooden image of Vajrapani from Tibet. This icon brandishes a vajra in an exorcising gesture in his right hand, and with his left hand makes the threatening gesture with his index finger pointed up. His taut posture is the active warrior pose (pratayalidha, based on an archer’s stance) to show a terrifying readiness to do battle with evil. He has flaming gold hair, two popping eyes and his beard and eyebrows have flame-like forms. His long necklace and tiger ski ...click for details
Details: A good quality example of a 16th century gilt copper Buddha Vajrasana form Tibet. Buddha Shakyamuni is sitting with hands in bhumishparsha mudra, wearing a simple close fitting robe and seated in vajraparyankasana on a double lotus pedestal supporting a vajra. The vajra on the upper surface of the lotus pedestal identifies the seat as vajrasana, the sacred location under the bhodi tree at Bodh Gaya in eastern India where Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment. ...click for details
Details: A 16th century example of the deity Bhairava carved from wood. Bhairava is Shiva at his most terrifying, at his most fearful. He may be understood as an emanation of Shiva, or as Shiva displaying himself at a very high level. In some myths, Shiva created Bhairava as an extension of himself, in order to chastise Brahma. Bhairava is the embodiment of fear, and it is said that those who meet him must confront the source of their own fears. ...click for details
Details: A superb and rare example of an East Indian bronze seated Buddha with silver inlaid eyes. I initially thought this piece to be of Himalayan origin, however on a recent research trip to the British Museum in London I noticed an identical, but larger piece. The image was listed as East Indian and came with the following quote: “Buddhist missionaries carried sculptures like this to Tibet, especially during the 11th and 12th centuries, where Indian bronzes were often painted.” This example ...click for details
Details: A nice 16th century example of a Tibetan gilt copper figure of the Goddess Tara. Tara the goddess of compassion is seated in lalitasana with her right foot resting on a lotus pad upon a single lotus pedestal. She is bejeweled with her hands in varadha and vitarka mudra with a lotus stem curling round her left shoulder. Much of the original gilding is still apparent.
Details: An attractive example of a mid 19th century hammered copper and silver teapot from Tibet. I say teapot, but these pots were used not only for tea but also other liquids such as butter milk. This copper teapot has a rather elegant shape adorned with much repousse silver. The images in the silver are varied, but are all auspicious Buddhist symbols, such as a Makara, the wheel of Buddhist law, the golden fish and the conch shell etc. I think I have managed the picture them all so please st ...click for details
Details: A finely carved Tibetan example of a dancing Dakini bone apron element. She is featured in deep relief , bejewelled, dancing with four arms on top of a corpse, which represents her complete mastery over ego and ignorance.
The Dakini is a female being, generally of volatile temperament, who acts as a muse for spiritual practice. She is symbolic in representing the testing of one's awareness and adherence ...click for details
Details: A rare and very attractive 18th century wooden polychrome image of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara from Tibet. Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara has one face, four arms, and two legs crossed in the contemplative posture. His two front hands holding the wish-granting gem at his heart, his rear hands holding a rosary and a lotus. It is said that the Dalai Lamas are manifestations of this form of Avalokiteshvara.
Details: A rare Western Tibetan image of the goddess Green Tara from the 14th century. The image is well cast standing in a gentle tribhanga on a double lotus base. Her hand held in varada mudra, wearing a long elegant dhoti secured with a belt and pendant sashes, multiple necklaces, bracelets and earrings with many inlaid hard stones. Her face, which retains much of the original gilding, is joyful with a broad contented smile. She is adorned with a foliate tiara and flanked by a lotus flower ...click for details
