27th Jun, 2025 11:00
Fine Asian Art Summer Sale
16
A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF SRI DEVI, PALDEN LHAMO, TIBET, 18TH CENTURY
Sold for €3,900
including Buyer's Premium
The fierce goddess seated sideways on a flayed skin atop a mule, over a rocky base incised with wave and fiery patterns, the right arm raised, a garland of severed heads hanging from her hips, adorned in beaded jewelry and a billowing scarf.
Her wrathful face with bulging eyes and a third eye centered by flaming brows, her fangs gripping a prone figure, the flame-like hair behind a skull diadem, with red pigment remaining.
Figure and base have been cast separately. (2)
Provenance: Sotheby's London, 15 June 1987, lot 129. A private collection in London, United Kingdom, acquired from the above, and thence by descent in the same family to the last owner.
Condition: Very good condition with minor old wear, casting irregularities, small nicks, and light surface scratches. Some pegs and accoutrements are lost. The figure requires additional support to stand on the base. A fine, naturally grown patina overall.
Weight: 1.5 kg
Dimensions: Height 20.3 cm
Sri Devi is the wrathful form of Lakshmi, known in Tibet as Palden Lhamo, which translates to glorious goddess. She is the principle female wisdom protector of Tantric Buddhism, as well as the main companion of the enlightened protector Mahakala. She is almost always depicted riding side-saddle atop her mount, the mule, through an ocean of blood.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 8 November 2017, lot 71
Price: GBP 30,000 or approx. EUR 51,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt-bronze figure of Palden Lhamo, Qing dynasty, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, the gilt and red pigments, and the treatment of the face, hair, and crown.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s Paris, 21 November 2008, lot 245
Price: EUR 9,375 or approx. EUR 12,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt-bronze figure of Sri Devi, Sino-Tibetan, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of casting with similar face, expression, incised base, and size (19.5 cm).
The fierce goddess seated sideways on a flayed skin atop a mule, over a rocky base incised with wave and fiery patterns, the right arm raised, a garland of severed heads hanging from her hips, adorned in beaded jewelry and a billowing scarf.
Her wrathful face with bulging eyes and a third eye centered by flaming brows, her fangs gripping a prone figure, the flame-like hair behind a skull diadem, with red pigment remaining.
Figure and base have been cast separately. (2)
Provenance: Sotheby's London, 15 June 1987, lot 129. A private collection in London, United Kingdom, acquired from the above, and thence by descent in the same family to the last owner.
Condition: Very good condition with minor old wear, casting irregularities, small nicks, and light surface scratches. Some pegs and accoutrements are lost. The figure requires additional support to stand on the base. A fine, naturally grown patina overall.
Weight: 1.5 kg
Dimensions: Height 20.3 cm
Sri Devi is the wrathful form of Lakshmi, known in Tibet as Palden Lhamo, which translates to glorious goddess. She is the principle female wisdom protector of Tantric Buddhism, as well as the main companion of the enlightened protector Mahakala. She is almost always depicted riding side-saddle atop her mount, the mule, through an ocean of blood.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 8 November 2017, lot 71
Price: GBP 30,000 or approx. EUR 51,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt-bronze figure of Palden Lhamo, Qing dynasty, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, the gilt and red pigments, and the treatment of the face, hair, and crown.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s Paris, 21 November 2008, lot 245
Price: EUR 9,375 or approx. EUR 12,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt-bronze figure of Sri Devi, Sino-Tibetan, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of casting with similar face, expression, incised base, and size (19.5 cm).
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