Expert’s note: This superb bronze is gilt in both yellow and rose gold. The rose gold is visible on the face, arms, and abdomen of Vajradhara and is distinguishable from the yellow gold gilding by its fainter, reddish tone and by its flaking (a natural phenomenon caused by the copper content within the alloy). Yellow gold, visible on the base, legs, and shawl, contains a higher concentration of gold within the alloy, making it more resistant to discoloration from wear.

China. Finely cast, seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base with a beaded rim, joined in union (yab yum) to his consort whose legs wrap gently behind, holding a vajra and ghanta in both hands as she holds a kapala and kartika. Wearing a dhoti incised with an elegant pattern along the beaded hem, each adorned with elaborate jewelry and wearing a foliate tiara secured by ribbons. Their serene faces with sinuously lidded eyes and bow-shaped lips, the hair neatly arranged into high chignons falling in strands down the shoulders.

Provenance: From the collection of Laszlo Nagy Szervei, acquired before 1999 in the European trade. Hungarian private collection, acquired from above. A copy of a provenance statement signed and written by Laszlo Nagy Szervei, dated 11 February 2020 and confirming the above, accompanies this lot.
Condition: Very good condition with old wear and casting flaws as expected and commensurate with age, light rubbing to gilt, few small nicks, the inlays lost.

Weight: 1,542 g
Dimensions: Height 17 cm

Yab yum images symbolizing the enlightened integration of wisdom and compassion through the metaphor of 'mother-father' deities in sexual congress are arguably the most enthralling subject in Buddhist art, emblematic of the religion's distinctive character and material culture. Yab yum iconography is frequently deployed to depict yidams, like Guhyasamaja, which are an important class of "meditational deities" in Tantric Buddhism. Other popular yidams include Chakrasamvara, Vajrabhairava, Hevajra, and Kalachakra. These yidams and their retinue within a surrounding mandala are the topic of a class of tantric teachings called the "Unsurpassed Yoga Tantras" (Anuttarayoga Tantra). According to Tibetan exegetes, the practice of Anuttarayoga Tantra is the only means through which the practitioner's ultimate goal of Buddhahood can be achieved; it cannot be achieved through mastering other 'lower tantras' or by the Mahayanist practice of the Bodhisattva Path.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 31 March 2005, lot 186
Price: USD 26,400 or approx. EUR 39,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt bronze figure of Tara, Tibeto-Chinese, 18^th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of gilding, with both rose and yellow gold, and size (16.8 cm). Note the different subject and that the bronze depicts one figure only.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 21 March 2012, lot 814
Price: USD 40,000 or approx. EUR 50,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt bronze figure of Shadakshari, Tibeto-Chinese, 18^th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and size (17 cm). Note the different subject and that the bronze depicts one figure only.