A bronze figure of Siddhi Lakshmi, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, circa 16th / 17th century

Collection of Gerd Wolfgang Essen (1930-2007), and thence by descent.

In Newar Hindu traditions prevalent in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, the iconography and symbolism of deities can sometimes differ from mainstream Hindu traditions. Iconography can vary regionally and within specific lineages, so it's possible that there may be some localized or lesser-known depictions that include a lasso, as is seen here, but this would not be a standard or widely recognized form.

The Essen collection, the life’s work of the German theological scholar, Gerd-Wolfgang Essen (1930-2007), was acquired for the Museum der Kulturen in Basel in 1998 by the philanthropist Catherine Oeri. It comprised 750 Tibetan works of art including two hundred thangkas and an extensive collection of ritual utensils, masks, musical instruments, books and temple furniture and textiles.

Gerd-Wolfgang Essen kept back a small number of pieces to enjoy at home. Some of these are being offered by his descendants in this auction, including an exquisite bronze figure of Indra, lot 828.