A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF A SHAMARPA Tibet, 17th Century

Himalayan Art Resources item no. 13395.

Acquired privately in Nepal while the current owner was stationed in the Peace Corps, 1966. 

Wear to gilding and accretion overall. Traces of polychromy to hat. Minor bending to hat finial, and peaks of cap. Base plate sealed and incised with vishva vajra.
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.

The Shamar or Red Hat lineage holders can be identified by their double-peaked red caps, from which they derive their namesake. These caps were originally made as a replica of the Black Hats traditionally worn by the Karmapa lineage holders.

Red polychrome is still visible on the current work, in the crevices of the cap, further confirming the identification. The front of the cap is ornamented with a triple-gem motif, with cloud motif scrolling along either side.

Portraits of the Shamarpas are very often portraits of the original figures. By comparing the unique physiognomy -- the high cheekbones, pointed chin and prominent ears -- with another gilt-bronze Shamarpa identified by inscription in the collection of the Rubin Museum of Art, it is possible that the current work represents the fifth Shamarpa Konchog Yanlag; see Himalayan Art Resources item no. 65561. 

For further reading on the Shamar lineage, see lot 221, a rare silver alloy figure depicting the sixth Shamarpa, Chökyi Wangchuk.