Asian Art Auction

December 01, 2014

LOT 83

Lot 83

Large Gilt Repoussé Bronze Figure of Amitayus, Tibet, 18th Century

Large Gilt Repoussé  Bronze Figure of Amitayus, Tibet, 18th Century
Lot 83 Details
Large Gilt Repoussé Bronze Figure of Amitayus, Tibet, 18th Century

Adorned with jewelry and ribbons, the seated figure in dhyanasana on top of a double lotus pedestal with hands resting in lap performing dhyana mudra with a ritual vessel, the meditative figure with arched eyebrows framing heavily lidded downcast eyes, an aquiline nose and full lips, the full face surmounted by an elaborate top knot, with inset coral and turquoise beads throughout
height 15" — 38 cm.
113.7 oz. — 3538 grams

Estimate $8,000-$12,000

Realised: $13,200
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Large Gilt Repoussé  Bronze Figure of Amitayus, Tibet, 18th Century
  • Large Gilt Repoussé  Bronze Figure of Amitayus, Tibet, 18th Century
Provenance:

The Harry Handel Collection of Chinese and Himalayan Buddhist Sculpture (Lots 77-87)

Purchased during the 1950’s at the Gurie Gallery, Montreal, thence by descent within the family.

Harry Handel (1916-1972) was born in Montreal. Self-educated, he and his friend Louis Melzack both opened bookstores in downtown Montreal during the 1930’s. Handel’s bookshop was Everyman’s Bookshop, and Melzack opened Classics Bookshop. After marrying Louis’ sister, Esther Melzack, Harry and Esther grew their bookstore into an intellectual centre, specializing in exploration, anthropology, religion and art.
 
Harry Handel became an authority in Canadian art and culture, and has been referenced in numerous publications and books (ref: G. Stevens, In a Canadian Attic; J. Houston, Confessions of an Igloo Dweller). Close friends and customers include leading Canadian artists of the day Arthur Lismer, Sam Borenstein and A.Y. Jackson. Alex Gurie, of Montreal’s famed Gurie Gallery, was also a close friend of Handel’s and taught him to appreciate and collect Asian antiques.
 
Toward the end of Handel’s life, his second-hand bookshop had grown into an estate buying and art-dealing business. Everyman’s Bookshop closed in 1970 when Handel died at the age of 55. His wife Esther donated a collection of Canadian art to the Leonard and Bina Ellen Galerie of Montreal’s Concordia University in memory of Harry Handel. (ref: Horatio Walker by David Karel).

Waddington’s is proud to offer the Collection of Harry Handel in this auction. Throughout this catalogue, you will find other items from this collection including ivory carvings, Chinese glass, and Chinese jade carvings.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 83
×

About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.