Author: --

Size: H43cm

Signed and dated: Fourteenth Century

Estimate:

Final Price: RMB 39,000,000

Nepal， Early Malla Period

THE GREAT YUAN’S GRANDEUR (II)
Three Buddhist Masterpieces
from Speelman
Collection and Important Private Collection
A MUCH BROADER SPECTRUM
This Vajradhara has always been one of my favourite works of Himalayan art not just because it is rare to find such a large example with its gilding and jewelled inlays so well-preserved; it is also a masterpiece of the high-quality bronze casting traditions that took place in the Kathmandu Valley by Nepalese craftsmen.
Vajradhara is a cosmic Buddha identified with jewellery and his arms crossed with the ghanta in his left hand symbolising the female energy of wisdom with the vajra held in his right hand of the male energy of method，creating a union of meditation that forms the basis for enlightenment in Tantric Buddhism.
The charm of this piece lies in the gentle sway of the upper body and the subtle tilt of the head，which evokes an emotional dynamism that is stylistic of Buddhist art under the early Malla Kings during the 14th century.
As for the Avalokiteshvara，in any museums internationally，it is very rare to find a piece in such exceptional quality，impressive scale，particularly in Yuan dynasty. It has very characteristic Yuan dynasty features，for instance，the waist is elongate and slim，and the torso is very upright. The provenance is very remarkable，from art dealer Dr. Otto Burchard to the collector Dr. Weimann，Berlin and finally the firm of China-Bohlken since 1953. It is a unique and very important piece.
For over 50 years，I have not only been interested in Asian art，but European art as well. This outlook has provided me the opportunity to see art prices across a much broader spectrum.
For me，it was never an issue of whether Himalayan Buddhist art would ever rise in popularity，but a matter of when. My suggestion for anybody who is interested in forming their own exhibitions – Buddhist art or otherwise – is that you do so based on your personal tastes and all the excitement that comes along with collecting art. Personally speaking，my taste is focused on styles of eclecticism and rarity，based on a high standard of excellence. I hope that these qualities are apparent and agreeable through my chosen objects.

[ PROVENANCE ]
1.Jules Speelman
2.An Important American Private Collection
[ Exhibition ]
Buddha—2000 Years of Buddhist Art 232 Masterpieces，Germany，2017
[ Publication ]
Buddha—2000 Years of Buddhist Art 232 Masterpieces，No. 141

Three Buddhist Masterpieces from Speelman
Collection and Important Private Collection