Vaishravana Tibetan Buddhist painting to sell at Christie's

A Tibetan Buddhist painting of Vaishravana will lead an auction of Himalayan paintings at Christie's New York.

The work is estimated to make $550,000-750,000 in the March 15 sale.

Buddhist painting Christies
The work depicts a Gelug protector deity named Vaishravana

It dates to the 18th century and is one of a set of seven well-documented Gelug protector deity paintings.

It's one of only two known survivors from the group.

The Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism was founded in the 14th century and was the dominant school in the region by the 16th century.

The auction house comments: "Like the Magzor Gyalmo and the Begtse Chen, the Vaishravana displays all the hallmarks of a painted masterwork. Color, form and composition combine to create a dynamic multi-dimensional image on a one-dimensional canvas.

"With dazzling attention to detail, the master painter excelled in the difficult task of combining large bold blocks of color and form with the most minute and fine detail."

Other lots in the sale include a 19th century Tibetan painting of Chamsing Begtse Chen, which carries a valuation of $500,000-700,000.

The work is a unique form of the protector deity, with an inscription in the work referring to the figure as "Chamsing Secret Accomplishment".

Another inscription reads: "left four, Brother and Sister", indicating the placement of the painting in a wider set - although the others are thought lost.   

Click here to check out all our art and photography memorabilia for sale.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about art and photography auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock