An extremely rare and exceptionally large sculpture of Vajradhara, the ultimate primordial Buddha, Nepal-Tibet, c. 16th century. Gilt and cast copper repousse, 94 cm (37 in), offered for sale at US$2,000,000. Photo Rossi & Rossi

BASEL - An extremely rare and exceptionally large 16th century repoussé and cast gilt copper sculpture of Vajradhara, the ultimate primordial Buddha, will take pride of place on

Rossi & Rossi’s stand at TEFAF Maastricht, the world’s leading art and antiques event, at the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC) from 13 to 22 March 2015, Stand 166.

Resplendent and serene, this outstanding Vajradhara was made by Newar artists, probably working in Tibet, and at 94cm high is one of the largest classical Himalayan repoussé metal sculptures of any period known to date.

The entire figure of Vajradhara is made in gilt and cast copper repoussé, demonstrating sophisticated and highly skilled metalworking techniques. The elegant hands, the left one holding the traditional bell, while the right holds a vajra, are cast in gilt copper and separately attached. The sculpture, with the exception of the back, glows with luxurious rich gilding, and the crown, a later 19th century replacement, and other elements of ornate jewellery are extravagantly set with precious gemstones. While there are a number of extant dated sculptures of Vajradhara, none are anywhere near in size and complexity, making this one an outstanding and rare example. It is offered for sale at US$2,000,000.

Another star exhibit is an impressive and highly important mid- to late-13th century Tibetan thangka of the Tathagata (celestial) Buddha Amoghasiddhi, one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. This is one of three paintings known to have survived from an original set of five, the other two being in private collections: they are among the largest surviving thangkas from this early period (11th – 13th century) of Tibetan art.

In this thangka, the Buddha Amogasiddhi, representing the cardinal direction North and the air element, is depicted in typical Tibetan form, as a bodhisattva-like being wearing a crown and jewels. Painted in green and seated on an architectural Bengali style lotus throne, Amoghasiddhi is flanked by two vyalas (leogryphs or mythical lions) standing on elephants, and two bodhisattvas. The throne is supported by two kinnaras (mythical half-human half-bird musicians, also his vahana, or mount). Amoghasiddhi is surrounded by registers of deities, Mahasiddhas, teachers and other Buddhas. Measuring 150 x 118 cm (59 x 46 in) the asking price on this exceptional thangka is US$1,200,000.

An impressive and highly important mid- to late-13th century Tibetan thangka of the Tathagata (celestial) Buddha Amoghasiddhi, one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. Measuring 150 x 118 cm (59 x 46 in) the asking price on this exceptional thangka is US$1,200,000. Photo Rossi & Rossi

Another highlight of the Rossi & Rossi stand at TEFAF is a Durga Mahisasuramardini from India, Eastern region, Bihar, attributable to the Pala Dynasty and datable to the 9th-10th Century. Made from gray chloritic schist, this magnificent sculpture renders the great goddess Devi as the youthful, multi-armed deity who successfully battles the mighty buffalo demon Mahisha that symbolizes, amongst other things, the elemental powers of brutish ignorance. While images of Durga slaying Mahisha are somewhat common during the 12th century, earlier images of this iconography are rare in Eastern India.

In this version the goddess is stepping triumphantly on the back of a decapitated buffalo from whose neck emerges the diminutive demon Mahisha found hiding inside the now deceased bovine creature. Her arms radiate around her brandishing a multitude of weapons confirming her overwhelming power, including in her primary right hand a trident, which she plunges into the demon’s chest. She holds him in position by a large tress of his hair with the main left hand. Despite the towering form of the goddess laden with deadly weaponry, her expression is one of subtle confidence, with a slight, enigmatic smile playing over her lips.

Durga’s womanly aspect is evident in her voluptuous body scantily clad in diaphanous garments. She is additionally ornamented with incised cuffs on her wrists, jewelled armbands and necklaces, and a diadem securing her large topknot of hair. Her lion vehicle emerges below and is grasping the buffalo’s haunch with a firm bite. 

Until recently this important sculpture was in a private collection in Switzerland, where it had been since the 1960s. It now has an asking price of US$300,000. 

Durga Mahisasuramardini, India, Eastern region, Bihar, Pala Dynasty, 9th-10th Century. Gray chloritic schist, 98 cm (38 in), asking price of US$300,000. Photo Rossi & Rossi

Rossi & Rossi will also be showcasing a selection of recent works by Tenzing Rigdol and Tsherin Sherpa, two of the most exciting contemporary Tibetan artists, who the gallery has been representing for a number of years. 

Fabio Rossi, Director of Rossi & Rossi said: “We are delighted to be showing these exceptional classical pieces at the forthcoming TEFAF event. The interest in Tibetan art is rapidly gaining momentum resulting in new record prices, and I am confident that the market for works of such superlative quality and rarity will remain buoyant in 2015.”