Lot 155. A bronze figure of Mahakala, Sino-Tibetan, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644); 26cm high. Estimate HK$60,000 - 80,000. Sold for HK$ 112,500 (€ 13,345). Photo: Bonhams.

Heavily cast standing on a lotus base, the deity depicted with a fierce expression, wearing a foliate crown and a tiger skin dhoti around the hips, his hands holding a flaying knife and skull cup.

Note: Originally a Hindu deity, Mahakala was adopted into the Buddhist pantheon as a terrifying God of Retribution. Invoked to inspire awe for Buddhists who are lackadaisical about their gurus, devotion and faith, he is believed to eat such offenders raw. The deity is depicted in a number of variations, each with distinctly different qualities and aspects. The variations manifest in the number of arms, but other details can vary as well. For instance, in some cases there are Mahakalas with multiple heads, standing or seated on a throne or a corpse, holding various Buddhist implements with other alternative adornments.

The kapala or skullcup, together with the flaying knife or chopper, as depicted with the current figure, is closely associated with the rituals of human sacrifice and the eating of flesh or drinking blood. On a more metaphysical understanding, the skull cup represents wisdom and the knife the 'method' weapon that severs materialistic negative attitudes.

For an example of a standing figure of Mahakala dated to the Ming Dynasty in the Qing court collection, see Buddhist Statues of Tibet. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2003, pp.180-181, no.172

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, Hong Kong, Admiralty, 26 May 2014