A FINE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF INDRA

Description:

Nepal, 16th c.
H. 22 cm
Seated in lalitasana on a separate embossed lotus base, his right hand is placed behind him on the base, the other is showing the vitarkamudra, both originally holding the stem of a lotus flowering along his upper arms, the right one suppoting a vajra, wearing dhoti fastened around the waist with a belt, scarf draped around his shoulders, encircling his arms and falling down on the base, jewellery set with semi-precious beads, his face displaying a serene expression with downcast eyes below arched eyebrows that run into the nose-bridge, a turquoise inlaid urna is framing his forehead, elongated earlobes with ear ornaments, his hair is combed in a chignon set with a helmet topped with a half-vajra, secured with a tiara decorated with a pair of pattras and floating ribbons towards its end and a flaming head-halo behind, the reverse with traces of red lacquer.
From an old Süd German private collection, acquired at Sotheby's London, 23 July 1984, lot 50 and since then in private ownership
Nepal is one of the world's great Buddhist centres. With its location between India to the south and Tibet and China beyond the Himalayan range to the north, the Kathmandu Valley occupies a unique geographical position. Influenced by these neighbouring cultures, the Newari artisans developed a rich local style, especially in the field of metalwork. The Newari sculptors were known for their masterful casting techniques and were revered throughout the region. Indra, the lord of the gods, plays a central role in the legends, life and art of Nepal. This magnificent sculpture shows Indra seated in Rajalilasana, the posture of "royal serenity". This relaxed posture, in which one arm is gracefully draped over a raised knee, signifying pleasure or indulgence, is found in a similar way in the Chinese Song sculptures of Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara). The locally developed depictions of Indra in Rajalilasana have become one of the most famous images in Nepalese art history - Small abrasions to the gilding, the mandorla somewhat bent