STATUETTE D'UN LAMA EN LAITON INCRUSTÉ D'ARGENT... Lot n° 26

STATUETTE D'UN LAMA EN LAITON INCRUSTÉ D'ARGENT TIBET, XVIE SIÈCLE Himalayan Art Resources item no. 4613 17 cm (6 3/4 in.) high Footnotes: A SILVER INLAID BRASS ALLOY FIGURE OF A LAMA TIBET, 16TH CENTURY 西藏 十六世紀 銅錯銀喇嘛像 Provenance With Claude de Marteau, Brussels, by 1970s Likely representing either Sachen Kunga Nyingpo or Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen from the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism, the style and execution bear similarity to other portraits of this tradition from the 15th/16th century. As often depicted in portraits of Sakya Masters, the lama is flanked by the manuscript and sword, alluding to his attained wisdom and association with the bodhisattva Manjushri. He holds the implements of the vajra and ghanta in the position linked to the purification deity Vajrasattva, signifying his accomplished role as a tantric master. The monastic garment with an engraved hem and cord tied around the ribcage are common features of this portrait type. Rarely featured in other portrayals, however, is a vertical pleating of the robe that is shared with a portrait of Sachen Kunga Nyinpo sold at Bonhams, New York, 14 March, 2017, lot 3259. The tall base with abstracted square lotus leaves appears as a unique stylistic element in several bronzes of this kind as seen in a portrait of Lowo Kenchen Sonam Lhundrup also sold at Bonhams, New York, 14 March 2017, lot 3277. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com Very good condition overall, with repairs to casting flaws at the time of production to the back of the proper left arm. Minor dents and scratches intermittently throughout, as is visible in images. Embedded dust and smoky black residue in recessed areas from exposure to temple lamps within the culture. Base plate is missing. Please contact Sidney Lee (sidney.lee@bonhams.com) for related condition report images.