A gilt-bronze figure of Vajradhara, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century
Lot 1044. A gilt-bronze figure of Vajradhara, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century; h. 22 cm. Estimate: 200,000 - 300,000 HKD. Lot sold: 252,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's.
Note: Vajradhara is revered as the primordial or Adi Buddha. The embodiment of the mind of enlightenment, Vajradhara is the source of the Five Dhyani Buddhas which represent the five qualities of Buddhahood. Vajradhara is seated cross-legged in vajraparyankasana atop a double-lotus pedestal; the hands crossed in front of the chest in vajrahumkara mudra holding a ghanta in the left hand and a vajra in the right, signifying the union of wisdom and compassion. Compare a gilt-bronze Vajradhara, circa 16th century, sold in our New York rooms, 22 March 2018, lot 1038.
Sotheby's. Chinese Art Including Property from the Collection of Cheng Huan, Hong Kong, 18 December 2020