H.: 20 cm (incl. stand)

Weight: 1070 grams (incl. stand)

Provenance:
- An important British private collection.
- Collection David Weldon 1997-2023
- Philips, New York, charity auction: Tibetan Art from the collection of the late Enrica Willi, 21 Oct. 1997, lot 161
- Collection Mrs Enrica Willi, until 1997
Mrs Enrica Willi was a frequent traveler to the Himalayan region, and one of the few European women of her generation to visit Tibet. Between 1982 and 1996 she lived periodically in Nepal. Her interest in the Himalayas and its people, and the instances of poverty she encountered during her trips, resulted in her supporting charitable institutions. Enrica Willi’s collection of Tibetan art was sold at Philips auction in New York in 1997 and the proceeds benefited charitable works.

Vaishravana
Vaishravana is the Guardian King of the Northern direction and holds a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism, where he is revered as Jambhala, the god of fortune and wealth. As Jambhala, Vaishravana bestows prosperity upon devotees, liberating them from material concerns and the fleeting nature of wealth, thereby enabling them to focus more keenly on their spiritual journey.

The depiction of Vaishravana in this bronze statue is both commanding and intricate. He is prominently seated on horseback, a symbol of his authority. The bronze is exquisitely cast and richly adorned with fine details. Vaishravana is dressed in a garment with wide sleeves, reminiscent of military attire, and engraved with patterns that evoke the look of armor. His boots are firmly strapped into the stirrups, emphasizing his readiness and power. His hair is styled in an elaborate fashion, crowned by a tall chignon, with braids cascading over his shoulders. The crown, along with floral ornaments and ribbons placed above his ears, adds to his majestic appearance, while his elongated earlobes are adorned with earrings. A long, pearl necklace drapes over his chest, following the curve of his stomach, further enhancing his regal presence.

The horse on which Vaishravana sits is rendered with equal care and detail. It is outfitted in full riding gear, including a saddle and a saddle blanket adorned with punctured floral patterns along the border, as well as a finely crafted halter. In terms of attributes, Vaishravana holds a vase in his raised right hand, symbolizing abundance, and a mongoose in his lower left hand. The mongoose, a symbol of generosity, is depicted spitting jewels from its mouth.

Although Vaishravana was venerated in both Tibet and China, the portrayal of the king on a Mongol horse in this particular piece suggests a Chinese origin. The Mongol horse was a source of great pride for Mongolian herdsmen and was highly valued during the Yuan dynasty, which was established in 1271 by Kublai Khan, the fifth khagan-emperor of the Mongol Empire. Despite the Yuan dynasties relatively short reign, ending in 1368, it was a period marked by cultural, scientific, and economic growth, which included the production of fine art such as this bronze. The depiction of deities on horseback would have resonated with the Mongol Khans, given the horse's central role in their culture and military strategy. Yuan stylistic features, such as the type of military dress, the floral ornaments above the ears, and the lion heads engraved on the upper arms, are evident in this piece.

This bronze statue is an incredibly rare and expressive example of its period and category. It represents a fascinating moment in Chinese history when Mongol culture, arts, and ideas left a lasting imprint on mainland China.

Ref.:
- Sotheby's, London, May 15, 2019, lot 105, for a nearly identical pair. (sold GBP 250.000) (link)