WHAT: A brass figure of Canda Vajrapani set a new world record for Tibetan sculpture when it sold for more than $6.3 million at Bonhams Hong Kong in November. In this version, the deity, translated to “fierce holder of the thunderbolt,” has one head and two arms with the right hand up. The left hand is in the karana mudra hand position to banish demons.
MORE: At more than 3 feet high, the figure is exceptionally large. That makes the masterpiece of 13th century Tibetan sculpture “monumental” according to Bonhams. It is also a significant survivor of Tibetan brass sculpture.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: From the collection of a known expert, scholar and author on Tibetan sculpture, this figure and others offered bidders a chance to own part of a master collection. That is catnip to connoisseurs.
HOT TIP: Note that Bonhams elected to sell the figure in Hong Kong, a nexus of new wealth. Featuring it in a sale titled “Images of Devotion,” it acknowledged Far Eastern objects of veneration in a season when much of the world is focused on other religious holidays.
BOTTOM LINE: Another figure from the same collection, dating from the 1600s, sold for $1.9 million.
BOOK IT! “Collectibles Handbook & Price Guide 2016-2017” by Judith Miller & Mark Hill (Mitchell Beazley, $27.99), a softcover in its 24th edition, has photos of more than 4,000 items ranging from 20th century glass to toys, vintage costume jewelry and luggage. Prices listed are gathered from the market and realistic. Best of all, the authors (Miller is a long-time expert) provide hints, picks and comparisons.
