The wrathful protector is seated in lalitasana upon a beaded lotus base, holding a skullcup and decorated with elaborate beaded jewellery, entwined serpents, and a garland of freshly severed heads. He wears a tiger-skin dhoti and a billowing celestial scarf draped about the shoulders.
Mahakala is one of the principal protective deities of Tibetan Buddhism, revered both as a guardian and as a meditational deity. Manifesting in numerous forms, the four-armed Mahakala (Chaturbhuja Mahakala) occupies an important position within both the Nyingma and Sarma traditions. In this form, he serves as the principal protector of the Chakrasamvara cycle of Tantras, one of the most significant traditions within Vajrayana Buddhism. He is typically depicted seated, with his primary hands holding ritual attributes while the secondary hands brandish a sword and a staff, symbolising the destruction of obstacles and the protection of the Buddhist teachings.
The present figure may be compared with a slightly larger example (19.5 cm high) displaying a closely related posture and iconography, notably including a small seated Buddha positioned above the head at the back of the crown. Dated to the Yongle period and preserved in the collection of the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, it is illustrated by Ulrich von Schroeder in Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, vol. II, Hong Kong, 2001, pl. 347A. Another closely related example may be found in the Zimmerman Collection, illustrated as a Mahasiddha in J. Auboyer, Dieux et Démons de l'Himalaya, Paris, 1977, p. 152, fig. 150.
Further comparison may be made with a monumental Xuande-period example measuring 74 cm in height, sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 7 May 2025, lot 3601. See also a sixteenth-century parcel-gilt bronze with silver and copper inlay sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2015, lot 26, which shares several stylistic and technical features with the present figure.
十八世紀晚期至十九世紀中期 鎏金銅四臂大黑天像
此尊四臂大黑天（Chaturbhuja Mahakala）像造型威猛莊嚴，結跏趺坐於蓮瓣座上。四臂分持法器，其中一手托顱器，其餘手臂原持忿怒尊常見法物。全身飾瓔珞珠串、盤繞靈蛇及人頭鬘，腰束虎皮裙，下襬自然垂墜；披帛飄揚於雙肩兩側，更增動感與威儀。整體造像比例勻稱，鑄工精細，充分展現藏傳佛教忿怒護法尊像的攝人氣勢。
大黑天（Mahakala）為藏傳佛教最重要的護法神之一，兼具本尊與護法兩種身份。其化現眾多，而四臂大黑天在寧瑪派（Nyingma）及後弘期各教派（Sarma）傳承中均具有崇高地位。此尊所表現之四臂大黑天，為勝樂金剛（Chakrasamvara）密續體系的重要護法神。於金剛乘佛教傳統中，勝樂金剛法門被視為最核心的修持體系之一，大黑天則肩負守護法脈、摧滅障礙與護持修行者之重要職能。其忿怒之相象徵降伏魔障與煩惱，而所持諸法器則寓意摧毀無明、護持正法與成就修行。
本像可與一尊尺寸稍大（高19.5公分）、姿態與圖像學特徵極為接近的永樂時期大黑天像相比較。該例皇冠後方頭頂飾有一尊小型坐佛，現藏於拉薩大昭寺，著錄於 Ulrich von Schroeder《Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet》，卷二（香港，2001年），圖版347A。另一件相近作品則見於 Zimmerman 舊藏，刊載於 J. Auboyer《Dieux et Démons de l’Himalaya》（巴黎，1977年），頁152，圖150，書中將其定名為大成就者（Mahāsiddha）。
此外，亦可參考一件體量宏偉、高達74公分的宣德時期大黑天像，售於香港蘇富比，2025年5月7日，拍品3601。另有一件十六世紀局部鎏金並嵌銀、嵌銅的大黑天銅像，售於紐約佳士得，2015年9月15日，拍品26，其造型風格及工藝特色與本像亦呈現若干相似之處。
此尊造像兼具十八至十九世紀漢藏佛教藝術特色，既承襲明代永樂、宣德宮廷造像傳統，又融入後期藏傳佛教護法像的審美特徵，形神兼備，具有重要的藝術與宗教價值。
16.5cm high
Estimate $25,000 - $35,000
The vajra formerly held in the upper left hand is now missing, having broken away. There is also minor wear to the gilding in places, consistent with age and handling. Otherwise, the figure is in overall good condition.
The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
A private collection, Tokyo, Japan.
Important Chinese & Asian Art
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8825
11:00am - 25 October 2026
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Thurs 22 - Sat 24 October, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn VIC
CONTACT
Luke Guan
luke.guan@leonardjoel.com.au
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