Favourite Pieces from Tibet and Japanese Top Lots from Important Estates

The addition of a vajra is what makes a Buddha in meditation a Buddha Vajrasana. An outstanding example of this special type of figure, characterised by the three-pronged Vajra sceptre, is one of the top lots in the Asian Art auction and is estimated at € 70,000 to € 90,000. It comes from the estate of Helmut Uhlig, literary critic and Asia expert, author of ‘The Silk Road’ as well as numerous articles for radio and newspapers. In addition to this bronze, the sale also features another of the collector's favourite pieces: A crowned Vairocana from the 14th/15th century. The hand position of this copper-bronze with silver and copper inlays symbolises bodhyagri mudra, the highest wisdom. The estimated price for this outstanding piece is between € 60,000 and € 80,000.

The sale also includes a further important bronze from the Tibet region from another collection. The eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara is regarded as the bodhisattva who unites the compassion and understanding of all Buddhas. Realised in an outstanding Sino-Tibetan work from the 18th century, the depiction of this Bodhisattva will be offered at an estimate of € 25,000 to 30,000.

A gilt lacquered wooden Buddha was consigned to the auction from a Viennese private collection. Pieces in this technique, which was particularly popular in northern China in the 18th century, have sold successfully at Lempertz in the past on several occasions. This specimen, displaying rich curving drapery, is to be offered at an estimate of € 60,000 to € 80,000.

One of the top lots among the Japanese art on offer is a 16th/17th century hot water jug (yutō), made of wood with negoro lacquer. These vessels first attain their unique appearance through continuous use, during which the orange lacquer wears away in places to reveal the black lacquer base beneath.

Japanese art is also represented in this auction in the second part of the Theodor Scheiwe Collection, the first part of which was already auctioned by Lempertz in the previous, highly successful sale.

Another important collection to feature in this sale is the estate of Reinhard Lohrberg. He not only focussed on netsuke and inrō, but also on Japanese painting. Among the particularly splendid examples is a pair of screens depicting a landscape with various birds (estimated price € 4,000 to 5,000). The same collection also includes an unusual inrō in the form of a bell. The octagonal wooden bell from circa 1850 - 70 bears the characters ‘eki’ (station) and ‘rei’ (bell) in seal script. These bells were issued by the Japanese government to officials and messengers who travelled from station to station at great speed.

I would be happy to answer any questions and provide print-ready images.

With kind regards,

Jan Bykowski
Press and Public Relations
info@lempertz.com
Tel. 0221 925729 -57