Rare Buddhist Gilt-Bronze Figures Come to Sale With Christie’s

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Hevajra is an important yi-dam (enlightened being) with Nairātmyā as his consort. The deity is characterized by 16 arms, four legs, and eight faces. The upcoming Christie’s auction will feature a rare gilt-bronze 15th-century figure of Kapaladhara Hevajra, belonging to China’s Ming dynasty period. Hevajra is depicted holding a kapala or a skull cup in each of his 16 hands. Eight support an animal representing eight diseases, whereas the other eight support deities believed to remedy those diseases. The deity stands with Nairātmyā held close to his body. The design of the figure is influenced by the Nepalese traditions that were once popular in Beijing. 

Another gilt-bronze piece in the sale is a figure of the Indian mahasiddha, Avadhutipa (Tibet, 17th century). According to the Lamdré tradition, Avadhutipa was initially a non-Buddhist king who shunned all his possessions to become a vagrant after listening to the teachings of Damarupa. The figure was most likely made as part of a larger set portraying the entire lineage. It features a short inscription on the reverse. Visit Christie’s to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming sale of The Moke Mokotoff Collection.