Bonhams announces strong lineup for Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art Sale

New York: Following the resounding success of the Himalayan sale in March, Bonhams announces their upcoming Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art Sale to be held in New York on 14th September, 2015. With over 123 lots and total estimates of US$2 - 3 million, the sale provides a selective offering of fine Himalayan bronzes and thangkas, Indian stone and Indian miniatures.

Highlights include, a magnificent gilt copper alloy figure of Chakrasamvara, Tibet, 15th century estimated between $400,000-600,000. The piece expresses one of the most important transcendental ideals in Buddhist art – the supreme bliss of enlightenment attained through the perfect union of wisdom and compassion. It is a masterpiece of Tibetan sculpture.

A remarkably rare piece in the sale is a silver and copper inlaid copper alloy figure of Gayadhara, Tibet, circa 15th century estimated at $100,000-150,000. Another highlight, it represents the Indian pandita, Gayadhara, an important Indian guru crucial to one of the most significant esoteric Tibetan Buddhist Practices. Interestingly, it is one of the few known identified portraits of Gayadhara.

Another standout lot is a copper alloy figure of Tara, Tibet, Pala style, circa 12th century, estimated at $150,000 - 250,000. This gem-like bronze was created during a time of prolific cultural exchange between the Pala monastic universities of Bengal & Bihar and Central Tibet, known as the Chidar, or ‘Later Diffusion of the Faith’. This provides a superior example of early Tibetan sculpture drawing inspiration from Eastern Indian Pala bronzes

In a sale that features works of excellent provenance there is also a group of Tibetan thangkas from the collection of the late Tibetan scholar Lobsang P. Lhalungpa. Among his collection is an exquisite thangka depicting Arhat Pindola Bhadravajra, one of Buddha’s four original disciples. A thangka from an Arhat series: Pindola bharadvaja, Eastern Tibet, Palpung style, 18th century is estimated $20,000-30,000.

As a leading seller of Himalayan art and a committed supporter of the Nepalese culture, Bonhams has announced a section within the sale devoted to raising funds for Nepal following the recent devastating earthquakes. The Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust and Save the Children (both registered 501(c)(3) charities) will receive an equal share of the full hammer proceeds from this section and a donation from Bonhams.

Mark Rasmussen, Specialist / Head of Sale in Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams in New York said, “This sale comprises another tight grouping of works, selected for their quality, that particularly appeal to buoyant markets today. At the core is a varied group of Himalayan sculptures attesting to highpoints in the history of the Himalayas and surrounding regions. We’re also honored to be raising funds for Save the Children and the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust. As media attention naturally shifts to newer tragedies, we hope the needs of the people will not fade from public consciousness, and we are keen to support those committed to the relief and rebuilding of Nepal.”

The online catalogue will soon be available here.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge, Oxford and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit www.bonhams.com.

SPECIALIST

Mark Rasmussen is a Specialist / Head of Sale in Indian, Himalayan, & Southeast Asian art at Bonhams in New York. Since joining the company in 2013, he has orchestrated the department’s most successful sales. Among others, Rasmussen is responsible for the outstanding results of an 8th/9th-century Swat figure of Buddha sold for $365,000 and a 14th-century gilt copper alloy figure of Virupa sold for $581,000 in 2015.

Prior to joining Bonhams, Rasmussen contributed to various organizations, including a well-known art advisory, private gallery, international auction house and the Rubin Museum of Art, where he pursued his particular passion for Hindu and Buddhist sculpture.

Rasmussen was raised learning Sanskrit and Vedic philosophy in London before earning honors as an undergraduate at Trinity College of Connecticut in the study of Asian religions. After two years teaching, a certificate in Art Business and independent research in Southeast Asia, he received scholarships for postgraduate certificates in Indian and Chinese art from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Rasmussen continues to conduct specialist research throughout Asia.