This powerful figure of an unidentified Lama is impressive for its size and its overall effect. It is likely to date to somewhere between the mid-15th and mid-16th centuries and is likely to have been created in the Tsang region of Tibet. We have no identifying inscription to inform us who he was but it can be said that he was certainly a highly regarded person. This is suggested because of the manner of his depiction - he holds the vajra-topped bell of wisdom (the female element) in his lowered left hand and the vajra of power (the male element) in his raised right hand and these inform the viewer that whoever the Lama might have been, he had attained the state of Vajradhara ('He Who Holds the Vajra') - that is, he had become Fully Enlightened in his lifetime. His robes are depicted depicting a prominent cloud design and such designs sometimes suggest that he had ascended into the heavens, implying that he had passed away and that the image was made in his memory. He sits on a throne supported by two lions emblems of Tibet from ancient times. The lion is also one of the protectors of the Buddhist teachings and we note a central figure of a powerful athlete known as an 'atlantes' who supports the entire Universe with his strength. (Dr. David Templeman, Monash University)
十五世紀中期至十六世紀中期 西藏錯紅銅上師坐像
此尊上師像體量碩大，氣勢莊嚴，整體造型極具攝人力量，應為十五世紀中期至十六世紀中期之間的作品，推測產自西藏後藏（Tsang）地區。雖然造像未見題記或銘文可供辨識其具體身份，但從其尊貴的造像形式及所持法器判斷，應為一位地位崇高且備受敬仰的高僧大德。
上師結跏趺坐，左手下垂持金剛鈴，右手上舉執金剛杵。金剛鈴象徵智慧（般若），為女性原理的化現；金剛杵則象徵方便與力量，代表男性原理。二者合而為一，乃金剛乘佛教最重要的象徵之一。此種持法方式顯示該上師已證得金剛總持（Vajradhara）之境界，即於此生圓滿成就無上正覺，因此得以金剛總持的形象示現。
袈裟表面飾有醒目的雲氣紋，在藏傳佛教造像中，此類題材有時寓意上師已脫離塵世、昇登淨土或天界，因此本像亦有可能為其圓寂後所造的紀念像，以表達弟子與信眾的追思與崇敬之情。
上師安坐於寶座之上，座下兩側各有一頭雄獅承托。獅子自古便為西藏的重要象徵，同時也是佛法的守護者，寓意威德與無畏。寶座中央另雕一尊肌肉發達、孔武有力的人物，其形象類似西方藝術中所謂的「擎天者」（Atlantes），以雙肩托舉寶座，象徵以無窮力量支撐宇宙萬物。此一設計不僅增添造像的莊嚴氣勢，亦強化其宗教象徵意涵。
本像融合十五至十六世紀西藏後藏地區成熟的造像藝術傳統，鑄造精良，氣韻沉穩，既彰顯上師證悟圓滿的精神境界，亦反映當時藏傳佛教對祖師崇拜與傳承信仰的重要地位。其保存至今，誠為研究西藏高僧肖像與金剛乘藝術發展的重要實例。——墨爾本蒙納士大學 戴維‧坦普曼（David Templeman）教授
39.5cm high
Estimate $15,000 - $25,000
Overall in good condition. There is minor wear to the gilding on the base in a few areas, consistent with age and use.
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.
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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