Tibetan Early Gilded Makara

This splendid, pierced image of a fantastic makara or sea monster is of gilded (gold-plated) copper alloy with sections of red and black paint. The makara has a long snout that terminates in a wonderful, tight curl; a gaping mouth that has been coloured red and which would have emitted a tongue; and an elaborate tail that dramatically rises over the makara’s head in a vegetal manner. A bulging eye is coloured black as are fringes around the neck and along the head.

The makara is not completely flat like a plaque but rather has a more three-dimensional quality.

Most probably, it was part of a larger aureole or torana or backing plate on a Tibetan Buddhist altar, or a prabhamandala or throne-back for a deity. The complexity and fineness of the piece suggests that it once belonged to a particularly significant shine, most likely in a monastery.

A related  example is illustrated in Casey et al (2003, p. 135) is attributed to around the 13th century by the authors. They illustrated a painting on cloth dated to 14th century Tibet which shows an image of Vairocana, and attendants, seated on a throne with a throne-back that incorporates a pair of makaras similar to the example here.

Bromberg (2013, p. 178) and Pal (2003, p. 60) illustrate later aureole segments but which bear some similarity in technique. Also see lot lot 105, in Bonhams’ Paris, ‘Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art’ sale, June 12, 2023, for a later example.

The makara here is in very fine condition and has very clear, significant age. It is an exuberant and dynamic item of craftsmanship and as such, is a particularly fine decorative item with much sculptural, as well as historic value.

It is accompanied by a custom-made display stand.