Single-Owner Collections

A Tibetan gilt bronze figure of Buddha, 16th century, modelled seated in dhyanasana with hands held in bhumisparsa mudra, on a double lotus throne, height 11.9cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Nepalese ritual conch shell, probably 16th/17th century, carved in relief with Vishnu, Garuda and lines of script, length 11.5cm, together with a bronze stand. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection; the Benny Rustenberg Collection, Amsterdam, circa 1970s; and Bonhams Hong Kong, 2nd October 2018, Lot 178. Note: conch shells are often used as trumpets/horns at the beginning and end of Hindu and Buddhist ritual ceremonies. Its blessed sound is believed to shield from harmful spirits, so is also blown at dusk.

An Indian bronze miniature Nandi bull, 12th/13th century, modelled in a recumbent pose, on a rectangular base, height 4.8cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Tibetan human skull kapala, 17th/18th century, the metal rim inscribed with prayers, length 16cm, the triangular metal base cornered with three brown patinated heads, the sides decorated with repoussé flames above double lotus, total height 11cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: in Tibetan Buddhism, a kapala or skull cup is typically a human skull used in sacred rituals.

A Tibetan bronze figure of a medicine Buddha, 18th/19th century, modelled seated in dhyanasana and holding a bowl in his two hands, his hair curled tightly and rising to a domed usnisa, on a double lotus throne, height 22.5cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: the medicine Buddha is widely worshipped in both Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism, representing the healing aspects of all Buddhas.

A Tibetan bronze zodiacal melong mirror, probably 18th century, one side cast in relief with the animals of the zodiac within a beaded border with suspension loop, diameter 8.4cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Tibetan bronze figure of Kubera, 15th century, modelled seated in lalitasana holding a jewel in his right hand and a mongoose under his left hand, wearing a headdress and beaded jewellery, on a lotus throne, height 13.2cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: Kubera is the god of wealth and prosperity and is often accompanied by a mongoose.

A Tibetan brown patinated bronze seal mould, late 19th/20th century, of rectangular form, the rectangular interior panel cast with rows of bodhisattvas within a border of lanca script, the reverse with central rectangular handle, length 11.8cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Tibetan carnelian dzi bead mala necklace, comprising one hundred and eight flattened spherical beads with white banding, hung with metal bead tassels terminating in vajra and ghanta bell, total length 130cm, bead diameters ranging from 1.3cm to 1.5cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Tibetan brown patinated bronze and gem set figure of a dancing Dakini, 15th century, modelled in a standing dancing pose, holding aloft a kapala (skull cup) overflowing with the elixir of life, adorned with beaded jewellery inset with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli, on a rectangular base with cast rock and lotus front, height 29.5cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: in Nepalese and Tibetan Buddhism, Dakini is a female deity of enlightened energy, associated with wisdom, activity and spiritual liberation, and often depicted dancing and holding sacred symbols. The name Dakini translates to 'Sky Dancer' or 'Sky Dweller'.

A Tibetan iron phurba, probably 15th century, the handle with vajra crown terminal above a slender lotus grip, issuing a triple-sided tapering blade, length 33.5cm, with later silk case. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: the phurba is a ritual dagger used in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist practice to drive away the triple poisons of ignorance, greed and delusion that impede spiritual enlightenment. It is the embodiment of the Vajrakila Buddha, who is empowered to suppress all evil in the world.

A Sino-Tibetan gilt and red lacquered bronze figure of Maitreya, probably 17th century or earlier, modelled seated in lalitasana with right foot resting on a lotus, wearing an ornate headdress and holding a stem of lotus in each hand, on a double lotus moulded throne, height 29.5cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: Maitreya is a bodhisattva who is regarded as the future Buddha of this world in all schools of Buddhism, and is viewed as the direct successor of Gautama Buddha.

A Tibetan damascened iron rectangular gau (amulet box or portable shrine), probably 17th century, the front decorated with copper and gilt Buddhistic emblems framing an aperture, length 6.9cm, containing a copper miniature figure of Tara, modelled seated on a lotus throne, height 4.2cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Tibetan damascened iron vajra, 12th century, with four-pronged crown terminals and central knop, with all-over gold decoration, length 19cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: the vajra was originally the thunderbolt of the Indian god Indra, with which he dispersed the clouds of ignorance. The vajra became the symbol of the 'Method' in the tantric form of Buddhism, which was introduced to Tibet by the 8th century guru Padmasambhava.

A Tibetan gilt bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara, 18th century, the eleven-headed eight-armed deity modelled seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus throne, height 11.5cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection. Note: Avalokiteshvara, meaning 'The Lord Who Looks Down', is a bodhisattva associated with great compassion. He has numerous manifestations and is depicted in various forms and styles. While he is depicted as male in India, Avalokiteshvara is most often depicted as a female figure, known as Guanyin and Kannon in Chinese and Japanese Buddhism.

A Tibetan gilt and red lacquered bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara, possibly 16th/17th century, the eleven-headed eight-armed deity modelled standing before an arched flame mandala, on a lotus base, height 12.5cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Tibetan horn bead mala necklace, comprising one hundred and eight polished spherical beads, hung with metal bead and turquoise tassels, total length 170cm, bead diameters 1.4cm to 1.5cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A Chinese gilt bronze figure of a Bactrian camel, probably Han dynasty, modelled in a standing pose, height 8cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.

A small group of Tibetan rock crystal carvings, probably early 20th century, comprising a stupa, height 10cm, a phurba, length 12.5cm, and a seated Buddha, height 6.2cm. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection.