A gilt bronze group depicting Padmasambhava as Guru senge dradok Tibet or Nepal, 17th century

the ferocious aspect of Guru Rinpoche with flaming red hair, stepping vigorously to his right in pratyalidha, a vajra in his outstretched right hand, wearing princely robes, a garland of severed heads, a lion skin and billowing scarf over his shoulders, and trampling recumbent demons

In good overall condition, with accretion throughout. Minor rubbing of the gilding on face and a few highpoints. Slight flaking of orange paint on hair and paint on the eyebrows and beard rubbed in places. Small dent in left cheek. Two separately cast recumbent demons: rubbing of gilding and traces of paint remaining on the faces. The whole would have stood on a lotus base now missing. 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.

Guru Padmasambhava, The Lotus Born, the most important personage in Tibetan history having brought Vajrayana Buddhism to the country from his native India in the seventh century, appears here in his manifestation as The Lion Roaring Guru. The statue is made in the Newar style of the seventeenth century and would probably have been mounted on a separately made repouss¿ copper pedestal, cf. a Nepalese gilt copper Shiva on a separate lotus pedestal, dated 1691, and with identical jewelry design.