A RARE AND MASSIVE (30.5 CM) GEMSTONE-INSET GILT COPPER ALLOY VAJRA, TIBET, 18TH CENTURY

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A RARE AND MASSIVE (30.5 CM) GEMSTONE-INSET GILT COPPER ALLOY VAJRA, TIBET, 18TH CENTURY Expert’s note Few dorje combine such monumental scale with such extraordinary sculptural and decorative richness. Its imposing proportions would have precluded conventional handheld use, indicating that it was conceived as a permanent ritual object for the altar of an important monastery or the private shrine of a high-ranking lama. The literature comparisons below include a closely related example from the Pritzker Collection, measuring 35 cm, which the Los Angeles County Museum of Art dates to the 18th–19th century. The present author is convinced that both the LACMA example and the present work date to the 18th century. The exceptionally high quality and remarkable density of the finely chased decoration, achieved without ever appearing excessive or compromising the slender and elegant proportions, are characteristic hallmarks of the finest metalwork of the Qianlong period. Whether produced in Tibet or in China as a Tibetan commission, the present work may be confidently dated to around 1750–1760. Every surface is elaborately worked, from the powerful makara heads and finely engraved prongs to the lotus collars, scrolling ornament, jewel-like inlays, and dragons encircling the central grip. Executed with remarkable technical refinement, the present example is an incredibly rare and spectacular ritual object, created not merely as an emblem of spiritual power, but as its commanding physical manifestation. Finely cast and richly gilt, the ritual implement centered by a globular handle worked in relief with a sinuous dragon pursuing flaming pearls amid dense scrolls, neatly inlaid with small cabochons of sapphire, ruby, emerald, and diamond, each representing one of the four celestial directions. The handle is enclosed by beaded borders and flanked by broad bands of overlapping lotus petals. From either end emerge four elegantly arched prongs issuing from fierce makara heads, each finely incised throughout with scrolling foliage and converging around a central faceted sphere. Dimensions: Length 30.5 cm The vajra (Tibetan: dorje) a symbol of indestructibility and power, is one of the primary ritual symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. Derived from Sanskrit and translating to both thunderbolt and diamond, the vajra consists of two sets of prongs from which lotus petals emanate, flanking a central sphere. Often used in combination with a bell (ghanta) which represents feminine wisdom, the vajra symbolizes the masculine attribute of skillful means or compassion. Literature comparison: Vajras of such large size as the present lot are extremely rare. Compare a closely related vajra, attributed to Eastern Tibet or China and dated 18th-19th century, 35.6 cm long, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1994.176.1. Compare a closely related gilt-bronze vajra from the collection of legendary Tibetologist E. Gene Smith and illustrated on Himalayan Art Resources, item number 73050. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams New York, 18 March 2013, lot 157 Price: USD 92,500 or approx. EUR 115,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of casting, and gilding. Note the slightly less ornamental style and the size (35.6 cm).

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