HONG KONG.- The Qing court had a long-standing respect for Tibetan Buddhism. This is clearly seen in the imperial collection of Buddhist figures, which show traces of both the Tibetan and the Imperial aesthetics. A Gilt Copper Alloy Triad of Shakyamuni Buddha from 18th Century Mongolia, to be offered as a star lot at Bonhams’ Images of Devotion sale in Hong Kong on 30 November 2022, is a rare surviving example. It bears the hallmarks of the top Zanabazar craftsmanship of its time: wide shoulders and a strong torso on the signature round lotus seat to form a complete set as a shrine. Measuring more than 43cm in height, the lot carries an estimate of HK$4,000,000-6,000,000, with a comparable example currently on display at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Also rare is an extremely vibrant Thangka of Shakyamuni Buddha from the 18th century Eastern Tibet. Despite having survived more than 300 years, the saturated hue and brushwork on this Thangka are still preserved in pristine condition, and it also bears lengthy dedication inscriptions befitting an important commission. This Thangka is similar to another example from the Imperial Qing court, suggesting its probable prominent patronage. The lot carries an estimate of HK$5,000,000-7,000,000.

A seated Fifth Shamarpa Lama in gilt silver with pigment 16th-17th century Tibet, from the renowned Nyingjei Lam Collection, is another highlight of the sale. Identified by the inscription at the back of the base, this fine silver gilt image portrays the Fifth Sharmapa Konchok Yanglak (1525-1583), who was recognised to be the reincarnation of the Fourth Sharmapa. The Sharmapa is the lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan portrait sculptures in silver are very rare; this example is perhaps the result of the aesthetic preference to use silver for sculptures in the Kagyu order. Estimate: HK$1,500,000-2,500,000.

Other noteworthy highlights include two Tibetan copper alloy figures from the Danish Folker Collection. They are a Tibetan/Nepali gilt copper alloy figure of Manjushri, Tibet, circa 15th century (estimate: HK$1,000,000-1,500,000), which was published in Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, an authoritative anthology surveying the earliest Indian bronzes to those of China in the Qing dynasty; and a Tibetan gilt copper alloy figure of Padmasambhava, 15th/ 16th century (estimate: HK$800,000-1,200,000).

Further highlights of the sale include:

• A gilt copper alloy figure of Jambhala, Ming, circa 15th century (imaged left). A rare example of Jambhala the yellow god of wealth in this style from the 15th/16th century. Estimate: HK$1,000,000-1,500,000.

• A silk applique thangka of Tilopa, Tibet, circa 18th century (imaged right). Estimate: HK$500,000-650,000.