EXCEPTIONAL FIGURE OF RAKTAPANI; ONE OF THE SHAMBHALA KINGS.

Sino-Tibetan. Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Copper bronze; very finely and detailed engraved and with fire gilding. With his left leg upright; he sits on a rectangular; multi-stepped pedestal. He wears a long-sleeved robe and a girdled skirt that leaves his bare feet uncovered. The hems of his robes are richly decorated. His upper body is adorned by a small knotted scarf. On his head he wears a five-part crown and his long hair is tied to a high chignon. On the back of the pedestal a Tibetan inscription: Phyag dmar. The inscription probably refers to the person depicted here - Phyag Dmar is a name sometimes used for Raktapani; one of the 25 Shambhala kings. The attributes that the figure once held in his hands could therefore be vajra and bell. Weight 779g; height 12.2cm. Condition A/B.Art trade; Van Ham.