A bronze figure of Hanuman, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, 17th century

Collection of Gerd Wolfgang Essen (1930-2007), acquired in 1991, and thence by descent.

Hanuman is a prominent Hindu deity, particularly within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism in which Vishnu is the focus of worship. Hanuman is a protagonist within the Bhagavata Purana in which he and his army assist Vishnu’s avatar, Rama, in rescuing his wife Sita from the demon Ravana who has kidnapped her. However, in Nepal, particularly within the Kathmandu Valley, there are ample examples of syncretism between Hinduism and Buddhism. Sculptures depicting the Hindu deity Hanuman, for instance, are often revered in Buddhist chaityas as guardians and disciples of the Buddha.

The monkey god stands here with an animated expression framed by a large crown and elaborate jewelry, as well as a billowing scarf that enhances the sense of movement imbued in his gesturing hands. He stands upon a small lotus base with simple petals, which are highly typical of the 17th and 18th century sculptures of this small, votive type from the Kathmandu Valley.

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.