An exceptionally fine gilt and painted bronze figure of Palden Lhamo Tibeto-Chinese, 18th century

the fearsome Goddess wearing a tiger skin loincloth, a flayed human skin tied as a shawl over her naked shoulders, a garland of severed heads and a billowing scarf, a snake entwined around a tally stick at the waist and a sun shining at her navel, a child clutched between her open jaw, a peacock feather, a crescent moon and a writhing snake in her flaming hair, a snow lion appearing from her right ear and a snake from her left, and raising a danda in her right hand, seated side-saddle on her mule draped with a flayed human skin saddle-cloth, a ball of magic string, a pair of divination dice, a skin sack of disease and a stack of tablets, the mule with writhing snake trappings and an eye in its rump, Lhamo accompanied by her attendants Makaravaktra and Simhavaktra, all striding through a sea of blood and body parts contained within a ring of mountains

In excellent overall condition. Some losses to stone inset jewelry. A separately cast skull cup would have been held in the left hand now missing. Minor rubbing of the gilding, minimal accretion, traces of paint remaining. The consecration plate, engraved with a visvavajra is original but re-attached. No restoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Palden Lhamo is considered the most important of the Tibetan guardian Goddesses and is the only female amongst the Dharmapala, the Guardians of the Buddhist Faith. She is the special protectress of the Dalai and Panchen Lamas and the guardian of Lhasa, and is widely popular throughout Tibet, Mongolia and China. Indeed, this exceptionally detailed and animated gilt bronze group was made in China in the eighteenth century at a time of great fervor for Tibetan Buddhism at the court of the Qianlong emperor (1736-1795).