HONG KONG – One of the world's only two surviving Vajrayana wooden figures from Xuande period will be offered at Bonhams Hong Kong sale of Images of Devotion on 2 December 2021. This exclusive figure is also among the earliest visual representations of Jinasagara, otherwise known as "Ocean of Conquerors" – an esoteric form of the Lord of Benevolence, and has been exhibited in the Dallas Museum of Art from 2006 to 2008. The Gilt Lacquer, Polychrome Wood and Gesso Figure of Jinasagara Avalokiteshvara from Ming Dynasty, Xuande Period (1425-35) carries an estimate of HK$5,000,000-7,000,000.
The early decades of the 15th century are arguably the high point of Chinese Buddhist sculpture, with splendid gilt bronze images from the Yongle (1403-24) and Xuande (1425-35) periods amongst the finest sculptures ever made in China. Of the same calibre as its metal counterparts, this large wooden figure is a much rarer example from the period.
Among the surviving early Ming Vajrayana Buddhist sculptures, only one other wooden figure is known – an Amitayus preserved at the Pacific Asia Museum in California. It depicts the long-life deity in passionate embrace with his consort. Most likely belonging to the same set as the current lot, the Pacific Asia Museum sculpture is of identical size and medium, and exhibits very similar stylistic details – from the sophisticated jewellery, patterned robes, to the distinctive lotus base. The two would have been placed together in a chapel or similar settings
The elaborate textile patterns seen on the dhoti (a type of sarong) of this Jinasagara Avalokiteshvara and the Pacific Asia Museum Amitayus are very unusual, as most Yongle and Xuande sculptures depict deities wearing plain cloth, absent of any decorative patterns. However, it is evident that similar treatment has been very occasionally adopted in other early 15th-century works.
Other highlights of the sale include:
• A Gilt Copper Alloy Panel of Offering Goddesses
Densatil, Central Tibet, 14th Century
Estimate: HK$3,000,000-4,000,000
During the 12th century, a powerful monastic complex of the Kagyu school started to form in Central Tibet, southeast of Lhasa. Its main monastery, Densatil, was built on the final resting place of the great master Phagmodrupa (1110-70). Multiple lavishly decorated memorial stupas were constructed, showcasing the wealth and influence of this religious power.
These stupas were created following very similar architectural design, each consisting of six stepped tiers. This panel on offer would have been placed on the fifth tier from the top, joined by fifteen similar panels, each depicting four dancing offering goddesses in high relief. Other surviving examples, now scattered in museums and private collections around the globe, can be reunited into different groups based on style and quality, yet the present piece is arguably among the ones of the highest quality.
• From the Nyingjei Lam Collection:
A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Maitreya
Tibet, Circa 17th Century
Estimate: HK$1,000,000-1,500,000
• From the Nyingjei Lam Collection:
A Brass figure of Hevajra Shri Hevajra Heruka
Northeast India, 11th-12th century
Estimate: HK$800,000-1,200,000
• A Gilt Copper Shrine to Shrikantha Kamakala
Nepal, Dated 1818
40.3 cm (15 7/8 in.) high
Estimate: HK$1,000,000-1,200,000
• A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Amitayus
Mongolia, Zanabazar School, 18th Century
Estimate: HK$1,800,000-2,400,000