A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF GARWA NAGPO DAMCHEN, TIBET,... Lot n° 19

A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF GARWA NAGPO DAMCHEN, TIBET, 17TH-18TH CENTURY Finely cast, the protector deity sitting in lalitasana on a separately cast lotus pedestal, his arms outstretched in the dynamic pose of the karana mudra. Wearing felt boots and long silk robes, his sleeves flying upward, the hems finely chased with scrolling vines and stylized geometric designs. His fierce face drawn up into a snarl, his mouth open to reveal sharp fangs, his brows furrowed, eyes bulging, and his hair neatly arranged into tight strands with a smooth area on top. The base resealed. Provenance: Viennese private collection, acquired in the French antiques market. Condition: Good condition with wear, minor casting flaws, small dents, minor nicks, and remnants of pigment. The smoothened area atop the head once bearing a hat, as evidence by the small nail to the back of the head. The base is not original but made during the same period as the figure. Weight: 595 g Dimensions: Height 13.7 cm Garwa Nagpo, Damchen ('the Blacksmith'), is the main attendant deity to the protector deity Dorje Legpa and is found as a standard protector deity in the Karma Kagyu and Nyingma traditions. The two deities were adopted into the Tibetan Buddhist canon after its earliest introduction under Padmasambhava. They are tasked with protecting the Revealed Treasure texts of the Nyingma tradition. Literature comparison: Compare a related gilt-bronze figure of Garwa Nagpo Damchen similarly posed, riding a goat, dated to the 18th century, in the Rubin Museum of Art, illustrated in Himalayan Art Resources, item no. 65488. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 10 November 2017, lot 270 Price: GBP 9,375 or approx. EUR 16,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt-bronze figure of Garwa Nagpo Damchen, Qing dynasty, 18th century Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and the similar pose. Note the ungilt face, missing arm, and the original goat base. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 16 September 2014, lot 259 Price: USD 27,500 or approx. EUR 34,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt bronze figure of Garwa Nagpo, Tibet, circa 18th century Expert remark: Compare the related pose albeit holding a vajra and scriptures. Note the goat mount and the hat. Note the size (17 cm).