Tibetan Copper‑Alloy Sculpture of Mahasiddha (Yogi), 18th Century, Qing Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions：Overall Height 34 cm (13.39 in), Overall Width 31 cm (12.20 in), Weight 6.75 kg (14.88 lbs) Condition & Provenance：The figure and lotus throne are cast as one integral piece. Original sealed base plate remains intact, engraved with a double‑vajra emblem at center. Cast in copper‑alloy, the surface bears centuries‑old mottled lustrous patina with rich layered texture. Original mineral blue and red pigments survive on hair and beard, no later over‑painting. Inscribed Tibetan script runs along the lower edge of the lotus base with legible characters. All limbs and ritual implements are fully preserved; fine details of fingers and toes remain sharp. Only minor age‑related wear from devotional use, no cracks, losses or modern restoration. This sculpture originates from a monastery in Central‑Western Tibet. It was brought out of Tibet by a British explorer in 1927 and entered a private London collection. In 1976 it passed into a private Himalayan‑art collection in Zurich, Switzerland, remaining within the same family and never offered at public auction. Description：This powerful 18th‑century Tibetan copper‑alloy statue portrays an enlightened mahasiddha yogi. The adept sits in full lotus position upon a substantial double‑lotus throne with full‑bodied, robust petals. The facial expression is highly expressive: wide‑open eyes and bared teeth convey the formidable, fierce‑compassion countenance characteristic of mahasiddha iconography. In his right hand he holds a vajra, in his left a ghanta bell, the paired ritual implements symbolizing wisdom and skillful means. Bare‑torso musculature is rendered robust and lifelike. He is adorned with beaded necklaces, garlands, armlets and bracelets, with fine chased beaded cords crossing over shoulder and chest. Mineral blue pigment colours his hair, with residual original red pigment on his beard, preserving traditional Tibetan polychromy. Ancient Tibetan dedicatory inscription runs along the lotus‑base rim. The base plate bears the engraved double‑vajra, a classic seal mark for Tibetan sculpture. Executed by lost‑wax casting in dense copper‑alloy, the work masterfully blends realistic physicality and spiritual presence. Its dramatic psychological intensity ranks it among the finest surviving 18th‑century Tibetan mahasiddha sculptures.

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