Lot 206. A gilt-bronze figure of Pehar, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 14cm., 5 1/2 in. Estimate GBP 4,000 — 6,000. Lot sold 5,000  GBP. Photo Sotheby's.

the cast figure seated on the back of a donkey, wearing a dhoti and a scarf billowing around his shoulders, holding a vajra in the raised right hand and a pearl in the left, the head turned slightly to the left and with fierce facial expression, fitted stand.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, London, 13 may 2015

Pehar is a worldly protector of non-Tibetan origin who was oath-bound by Guru Rinpoche in the 9th century and appointed primarily as a guardian of Samye Monastery in Tibet. There are many fascinating accounts of his early history found in both Nyingmapa and Gelugpa sources. According to some Tibetan Buddhist scholars Pehar is the leader of all Worldly Buddhist protectors. According to others he has already reached complete enlightenment and entered the ranks of the wisdom deities. The worship of Pehar has penetrated all of Tibetan society however the main upholders of the practice are predominantly the original Nyingmapas followed by the Gelugpas from the time of the great 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682) when they became the spiritual and secular rulers of Tibet. Jeff Watt 7-98.