10th Apr, 2025 11:00
TWO-DAY AUCTION: Fine Asian Art, Buddhism and Hinduism
23
A RARE AND IMPORTANT GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI, EARLY MALLA PERIOD, NEPAL, 1201-1482
€25,000
€50,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Expert’s note: The figure's oversized head, well-postured shoulders, attenuated waist, and full face with elongated eyes, hooked nose, and rounded chin are hallmark features of the early Malla style, particularly from the second half of the period (14th–15th century). This classic Newari aesthetic was also embraced by the neighboring Khasa Malla kingdom, which ruled the Karnali Basin of western Nepal and western Tibet.
Early Malla works are rare amongst the wider compendium of Nepalese art history, including very few images of seated Shakyamuni such as the present example.
Superbly cast seated in dhyanasana with his right hand lowered in bhumisparsha mudra, the left hand held above the lap. He is dressed in monastic robes with deeply incised scrolling hems, gathering in richly carved pleats at the shoulder and feet. His face is exquisitely modeled with a serene expression marked by downcast eyes centered by the turquoise-inlaid urna as well as an aquiline nose and bow-shaped lips forming a subtle smile. The hair arranged in sinuous rows of tight curls over the domed ushnisha surmounted by a golden jewel.
Provenance: Old English private collection. The Property of a Gentleman in the United Kingdom, acquired from the above.
Condition: Generally in good condition with ancient wear, casting irregularities as expected, small nicks and dents, significant rubbing and losses to gilt, the inlay possibly replaced, few small fatigue cracks. Notable heat damage to bottom and lower backside. Some of the gilt may have been partially renewed over time. Old fills and several casting patches, particularly to the back, most probably inherent to the manufacture.
Weight: 4.7 kg
Dimensions: Height 31.6 cm
The Newari, the traditional inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, were the master metal casters of the period, and their services were patronized far and wide, including at the Imperial workshops of the Yuan dynasty in Beijing. The sculpture of the early Malla period, starting from the second half of the twelfth century through the fifteenth century, is characterized by pronounced musculature and elaborate ornamentation. Aesthetically, examples made during the early Malla period are among the most refined, with elegant, graceful bodies, delicate hands and fine facial features.
Literature comparison:
Compare a related Malla gilt-bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, dated to the 12th century, in the Patan Museum, and illustrated on Himalayan Art Resources, item number 59501. Compare a related Khasa Malla gilt-bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, dated 13th-14th century, in the Rubin Museum of Art, object number C2006.24.1. Compare a related gilt-copper figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, also cast without a pedestal, dated 13th-14th century, illustrated by Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, vol. 1, Hong Kong, 2001, pp. 522-523, no. 170C.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 4 November 2021, lot 332
Price: GBP 277,200 or approx. EUR 413,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Gilt copper Buddha Shakyamuni with inset stones Nepal, Early Malla Period, 14th/15th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of casting, modeling, and gilding, with similar stylistic features including the robe, the shape of the shoulders and waist, and the facial expression. Note the closely related size (32 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Paris, 12 December 2023, lot 198
Price: EUR 730,800 or approx. EUR 740,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare and important gilt-copper figure of Buddha, Nepal, early Malla period, 13th-14th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and size (31.2 cm). Note the much better-preserved gilding.
Expert’s note: The figure's oversized head, well-postured shoulders, attenuated waist, and full face with elongated eyes, hooked nose, and rounded chin are hallmark features of the early Malla style, particularly from the second half of the period (14th–15th century). This classic Newari aesthetic was also embraced by the neighboring Khasa Malla kingdom, which ruled the Karnali Basin of western Nepal and western Tibet.
Early Malla works are rare amongst the wider compendium of Nepalese art history, including very few images of seated Shakyamuni such as the present example.
Superbly cast seated in dhyanasana with his right hand lowered in bhumisparsha mudra, the left hand held above the lap. He is dressed in monastic robes with deeply incised scrolling hems, gathering in richly carved pleats at the shoulder and feet. His face is exquisitely modeled with a serene expression marked by downcast eyes centered by the turquoise-inlaid urna as well as an aquiline nose and bow-shaped lips forming a subtle smile. The hair arranged in sinuous rows of tight curls over the domed ushnisha surmounted by a golden jewel.
Provenance: Old English private collection. The Property of a Gentleman in the United Kingdom, acquired from the above.
Condition: Generally in good condition with ancient wear, casting irregularities as expected, small nicks and dents, significant rubbing and losses to gilt, the inlay possibly replaced, few small fatigue cracks. Notable heat damage to bottom and lower backside. Some of the gilt may have been partially renewed over time. Old fills and several casting patches, particularly to the back, most probably inherent to the manufacture.
Weight: 4.7 kg
Dimensions: Height 31.6 cm
The Newari, the traditional inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, were the master metal casters of the period, and their services were patronized far and wide, including at the Imperial workshops of the Yuan dynasty in Beijing. The sculpture of the early Malla period, starting from the second half of the twelfth century through the fifteenth century, is characterized by pronounced musculature and elaborate ornamentation. Aesthetically, examples made during the early Malla period are among the most refined, with elegant, graceful bodies, delicate hands and fine facial features.
Literature comparison:
Compare a related Malla gilt-bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, dated to the 12th century, in the Patan Museum, and illustrated on Himalayan Art Resources, item number 59501. Compare a related Khasa Malla gilt-bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, dated 13th-14th century, in the Rubin Museum of Art, object number C2006.24.1. Compare a related gilt-copper figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, also cast without a pedestal, dated 13th-14th century, illustrated by Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, vol. 1, Hong Kong, 2001, pp. 522-523, no. 170C.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 4 November 2021, lot 332
Price: GBP 277,200 or approx. EUR 413,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Gilt copper Buddha Shakyamuni with inset stones Nepal, Early Malla Period, 14th/15th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of casting, modeling, and gilding, with similar stylistic features including the robe, the shape of the shoulders and waist, and the facial expression. Note the closely related size (32 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Paris, 12 December 2023, lot 198
Price: EUR 730,800 or approx. EUR 740,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare and important gilt-copper figure of Buddha, Nepal, early Malla period, 13th-14th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and size (31.2 cm). Note the much better-preserved gilding.
Natural Light Images for Logged-in Users Only
You can find images of this item taken under natural daylight below. Click on an image to zoom in or save.
If there are no natural light images for this item, please email us at office@zacke.at or use the request form below.
Log in or sign up to view the natural light images.
Click here to request more information on this lot.
Zacke Live Online Bidding
Our online bidding platform makes it easier than ever to bid in our auctions! When you bid through our website, you can take advantage of our premium buyer's terms without incurring any additional online bidding surcharges.
To bid live online, you'll need to create an online account. Once your account is created and your identity is verified, you can register to bid in an auction up to 12 hours before the auction begins.
Intended Spend and Bid Limits
When you register to bid in an online auction, you will need to share your intended maximum spending budget for the auction. We will then review your intended spend and set a bid limit for you. Once you have pre-registered for a live online auction, you can see your intended spend and bid limit by going to 'Account Settings' and clicking on 'Live Bidding Registrations'.
Your bid limit will be the maximum amount you can bid during the auction. Your bid limit is for the hammer price and is not affected by the buyer’s premium and VAT. For example, if you have a bid limit of €1,000 and place two winning bids for €300 and €200, then you will only be able to bid €500 for the rest of the auction. If you try to place a bid that is higher than €500, you will not be able to do so.
Online Absentee and Telephone Bids
You can now leave absentee and telephone bids on our website!
Absentee Bidding
Once you've created an account and your identity is verified, you can leave your absentee bid directly on the lot page. We will contact you when your bids have been confirmed.
Telephone Bidding
Once you've created an account and your identity is verified, you can leave telephone bids online. We will contact you when your bids have been confirmed.
Classic Absentee and Telephone Bidding Form
You can still submit absentee and telephone bids by email or fax if you prefer. Simply fill out the Absentee Bidding/Telephone bidding form and return it to us by email at office@zacke.at or by fax at +43 (1) 532 04 52 20. You can download the PDF from our Upcoming Auctions page.
How-To Guides
How to Create Your Personal Zacke Account
How to Register to Bid on Zacke Live
How to Leave Absentee Bids Online
How to Leave Telephone Bids Online
中文版本的操作指南
创建新账号
注册Zacke Live在线直播竞拍（免平台费）
缺席投标和电话投标
Third-Party Bidding
We partner with best-in-class third-party partners to make it easy for you to bid online in the channel of your choice. Please note that if you bid with one of our third-party online partners, then there will be a live bidding surcharge on top of your final purchase price. You can find all of our fees here. Here's a full list of our third-party partners:
- 51 Bid Live
- EpaiLive
- ArtFoxLive
- Invaluable
- LiveAuctioneers
- the-saleroom
- lot-tissimo
- Drouot
Please note that we place different auctions on different platforms. For example, in general, we only place Chinese art auctions on 51 Bid Live.
Bidding in Person
You must register to bid in person and will be assigned a paddle at the auction. Please contact us at office@zacke.at or +43 (1) 532 04 52 for the latest local health and safety guidelines.
Auction: TWO-DAY AUCTION: Fine Asian Art, Buddhism and Hinduism, 10th Apr, 2025
Galerie Zacke is privileged to present a remarkable two-day live auction event, featuring 684 works of art from China, Southeast Asia, India, and beyond.
The highlight is our flagship live auction on Day 1, showcasing lots 1-269, Among the many standout pieces are a ge-type octagonal bowl from the Southern Song dynasty, part of the Jules Speelman collection (lot 137), a rare 1st-2nd century gold figure of a mother goddess from the Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum collection (lot 176), as well as a group of four parcel-gilt bronze Bodhisattvas from the Bao-Xiang Lo Palace and Temple, with Qianlong marks and of the period (lot 52).
Day 2 continues with our general auction (lots 270-684), offering seasoned collectors and new bidders alike an opportunity to enhance their collections. Learn more.
Classic Bidding Form Telephone Bidding Form
Viewing
31 March - 9 April 2025
Monday - Friday, 10 am - 6 pm
as well as by appointment
Our Terms and Conditions
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our auctions fair and transparent, we encourage you to read our terms and conditions thoroughly. We urge you to read through §34-50) to ensure you understand them. These terms are specifically designed to protect all serious and committed buyers from bidding against non-payers who attempt to inflate prices without the intent of paying their auction bills.
For further reading about non-payers at auction, go here: https://www.zacke.at/aboutnonpayers/.
The main points include the following:
- Bidders must complete their due diligence and clarify all questions about the objects before the auction. After the auction, Zacke will not answer questions from bidders unless the purchase price has been paid in full. Of course, this does not apply to questions concerning shipping, insurance, customs, etc.
- A sale cancellation of any kind after the fall of the hammer is not possible. The only exception to this fundamental rule is our guarantee of authenticity [the Guarantee].
- A Guarantee Claim, however, can only be raised after the purchase price has been paid in full by the buyer and within 45 days after the auction day.
If you have any questions about our policies, please get in touch with us at office@zacke.at.
By placing a bid, you agree to our Terms of Auction and Terms and Conditions.
