Famous Tibetan bronze sculpture sets world record

A famous 13th century bronze figure of Canda Vajrapani set a new record for a piece of Tibetan sculpture when it sold for $6.3m at Bonhams earlier this week.

The enormous piece (it stands at over a metre tall) was consigned by renowned Buddhism expert Ulrich von Schroeder.

It's a fine example of Tibetan craftsmanship. Such sculptures were cast in separate parts and assembled later, as the high altitudes of the Tibetan planes affected the smelting process.  

Edward Wilkinson, Bonhams' head of Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art, said: "The stunning price paid for the figure of Canda Vajrapani reflects both its high importance as a work of art and von Schroeder's great standing among collectors."


Canda Vajrapani translates to 'fierce holder of the thunderbolt'

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