A small, but rather fine votive image in gilt bronze of the bodhisattva Manjushri (Wenshu), the personification of Transcendental Wisdom. The bodhisattva is seated in the usual lotus posture holding sword and scripture on lotuses set at his shoulders. Original closing. Tibet, 17th cent. H 11 cm. Condition: Excellent, thick gilding and minor wear. Later inserts of turquoise pearls.
A finely carved image of Nyingmapa Master of purple sandal wood (zitan). He is seated in meditation posture on a low lotus seat. Face and robe decorated with cold gold. Inscribed in gold on lower back of seat (partly lost). Made from various pieces of precious zitan wood as is common for images of this kind. Sealed. Tibet, 17th cent. H 14 cm. Condition: Good all-over. Minor losses to face and hands.
Impressive and large, lacquer-gilt bronze image depicting the God of Mt. Heng (Hengshan Gongjun) in Hebei, the northern peak in the Daoist system of Five Holy Mountains. He is seated on a low throne-like base holding fan and wish-fulfilling pearl and wears the garb of a heavenly official. The god can be so identified on the basis of the symbol (‘true form’) of the mountain placed on the lower robe between the god’s feet (see close-up). The image is therefore rather rare, as very few images of th ...click for details
A 17th cent gold lacquered bronze image of Bodhisattva Simhananda-Avalokitesvara (Shizizuo Guanyin) seated with pending legs on the lion mount on a high lotus throne. Base painted red. Late Ming Dynasty. H. 24,8 cm.
Condition: very good.
A large and impressive image of a Daoist divinity cast in dark bronze. Probably depicting one of the Sanyuan (Three Origins) standing in usual fashion holding an official’s tablet and wearing a finely incised garb of a heavenly official. Parcel gilt to face and hands. Base painted red. Ming: Wanli period, ca. 1600. H 41.5 cm. ( 16.33 inches). Condition: Very good, just some loss to cold gilt lacquer due to age and handling.
A slightly rough-cast bronze image of Simhananda-avalokitesvara (Guanyin) seated with pending legs on the lion mount. The bodhisattva is flanked by a pair of acolytes standing on separate lotus bases. Dark, brown patina w. traces of cold gilt. As such the image represents a development in Chinese Buddhist sculpture, in which traces of Tibetan influence on the iconography can be noticed. China, Ming, ca. 1600. H 27 cm, W 26.5 cm. Condition: Very good, all-over. Some rubbing to face of main image. ...click for details
A very attractive and slender-bodied gilt-bronze image of the Dhyani-Buddha Ratnasambhava (Buddha of the South). This relatively rare image is depicted as seated in lotus posture with the extended right hand and open palm. He is crowned and adorned as is typical for images of the Five Buddhas. Tibet, 17th cent. H. 11,3 cm. Condition: Exceptionally good. Almost no rubbing to gilt. Unclosed with one small prayer roll still stuck inside.
A superbly carved image of the highest quality depicting Sakyamuni Buddhas as ascetic in boxwood (huangyangmu) with inlaid eyes and teeth. Limbs and torso grotesquely exaggerated to underscore the emaciated appearance. Although this type of image is known from later periods, as well as in other materials, they rarely come even near the excellence represented by this carving. China, Qing, early 19th cent. H 18.2 cm. Condition: Excellent.
Portrait image in gilt bronze and color of the important Kagyupa scholar and lineage-holder Gambopa (1079–1153) seated in meditation. Gambopa, who was one of the foremost among the ascetic Milarepa’s disciples, and is recognizable by his special hat. Remains of cold gilding to face. Consecrated. First half of 19th cent. H 11 cm. Condition: Very good (minor wear to gold). Price:
A votive image of a Daoist god, most probably one of the Sanyuan/Sanguan, the Lords of the Departments of Earth, Under and Water. The god wears a high crown and is seated on a high throne holding his customary tablet (jiaoban) in front of his chest. Remaining traces of gilt lacquer. Ming, ca. 1550–1600. H 28 cm. Condition: Quite good w. some rubbing due to age and handling.
