17th Oct, 2024 11:00

TWO-DAY AUCTION: Fine Asian Art, Buddhism and Hinduism

 
  Lot 7
 

7

A LARGE AND INSCRIBED BRONZE VOTIVE PLAQUE, DEPICTING CHAKRASAMVARA IN UNION WITH VAJRAYOGINI

Sold for €7,800

including Buyer's Premium


Lot details

Tibet, 17th-18th century. Of circular form, finely engraved to one side with Chakrasamvara seated on a lotus pedestal in yabyum with his consort Vajrayogini, his principal hands held in dharmachakra mudra as his secondary hands radiate around him holding flaming jewels, a dharma wheel, a sword, and a lotus blossom, one held in varada mudra.

Both wearing elaborate jewelry, flowing robes, and paneled tiaras, Chakrasamvara baring his teeth in a fierce expression marked by furrowed brows and flaring nostrils. All below a central diminutive image of Vajradhara flanked by Sharchen Jungne and Phakpa Lhudup, the latter two with identifying inscriptions.

The reverse is similarly engraved with the Chakra of Sitatapatra, removing obstacles and protecting from negativity, inscribed with extensive mantras centered around a central ‘Om’ character framed within three circles of lotus petals enclosed by a band of vajras.

Provenance: From the collection of Richard Roland, New York, USA, and thence by descent.
Condition: Wear, casting flaws, a single large crack with associated losses, scratches, minor dents, and small nicks to edges. Overall presenting very well. The bronze covered in a fine, naturally grown, dark patina with malachite encrustations.

Weight: 3,765 g
Dimensions: Diameter 49.9 cm

The powerful depiction of Chakrasamvara embracing his yogini consort is a highly energized visualization, such as would have been experienced by an advanced tantric master. These are key deities in the Vajrayana system, uniting two of the most powerful ideas in esoteric Buddhism, wisdom, embodied in Vajravarahi, and compassion, the essence of Chakrasamvara. His name, which translates as Circle of Bliss, embodies the powerful union of these two fundamental tenets of Buddhism. During Tantric meditation the union of these two principles is used to generate enlightened states of mind.

Literature comparison:
Tibetan bronze votive plaques are extremely rare with no other examples found in public or private collections. For similarly engraved examples in bronze, see a Japanese votive plaque, late Heian period, 11th-12th century, in the Nara National Museum, and a Chinese inscribed bronze mirror, Song dynasty, in the Hunan Provincial Museum. Compare also a Jaina yantra in hammered and incised copper, dated by inscription to 1631, 41 cm, in the British Museum, registration number 1880.4057.

 

Tibet, 17th-18th century. Of circular form, finely engraved to one side with Chakrasamvara seated on a lotus pedestal in yabyum with his consort Vajrayogini, his principal hands held in dharmachakra mudra as his secondary hands radiate around him holding flaming jewels, a dharma wheel, a sword, and a lotus blossom, one held in varada mudra.

Both wearing elaborate jewelry, flowing robes, and paneled tiaras, Chakrasamvara baring his teeth in a fierce expression marked by furrowed brows and flaring nostrils. All below a central diminutive image of Vajradhara flanked by Sharchen Jungne and Phakpa Lhudup, the latter two with identifying inscriptions.

The reverse is similarly engraved with the Chakra of Sitatapatra, removing obstacles and protecting from negativity, inscribed with extensive mantras centered around a central ‘Om’ character framed within three circles of lotus petals enclosed by a band of vajras.

Provenance: From the collection of Richard Roland, New York, USA, and thence by descent.
Condition: Wear, casting flaws, a single large crack with associated losses, scratches, minor dents, and small nicks to edges. Overall presenting very well. The bronze covered in a fine, naturally grown, dark patina with malachite encrustations.

Weight: 3,765 g
Dimensions: Diameter 49.9 cm

The powerful depiction of Chakrasamvara embracing his yogini consort is a highly energized visualization, such as would have been experienced by an advanced tantric master. These are key deities in the Vajrayana system, uniting two of the most powerful ideas in esoteric Buddhism, wisdom, embodied in Vajravarahi, and compassion, the essence of Chakrasamvara. His name, which translates as Circle of Bliss, embodies the powerful union of these two fundamental tenets of Buddhism. During Tantric meditation the union of these two principles is used to generate enlightened states of mind.

Literature comparison:
Tibetan bronze votive plaques are extremely rare with no other examples found in public or private collections. For similarly engraved examples in bronze, see a Japanese votive plaque, late Heian period, 11th-12th century, in the Nara National Museum, and a Chinese inscribed bronze mirror, Song dynasty, in the Hunan Provincial Museum. Compare also a Jaina yantra in hammered and incised copper, dated by inscription to 1631, 41 cm, in the British Museum, registration number 1880.4057.

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