STATUETTE OF A BÖN TEACHER IN GILDED COPPER ALLOY TIBET,... Lot 26

STATUETTE OF A BÖN TEACHER IN GILDED COPPER ALLOY TIBET, 16TH/17TH CENTURY Himalayan Art Resources item no. 4883 17.2 cm (6 3/4 in.) high Footnotes: A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF A BON TEACHER TIBET, 16TH/17TH CENTURY 西藏 十六/十七世紀 銅鎏金苯教上師像 Provenance: With Claude de Marteau, Brussels, by 1970s This eccentric sculpture depicts a master of Tibet's indigenous Bon religion. The 'explication' gesture of his right hand (vitarka mudra) and the elixir of long life supported in his lap are common attributes for Buddhist lamas. However, the enthusiastic inclusion of animals around the base - comprising a snow lion, an elephant, a bird, and possibly a dog or a yak - the flattened tips of the lotus petals, and the rendering of a swastika symbol underneath the consecration plate are classic features of Bon art (see HAR 44528, 61921 & 65183). For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com