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Record-Breaking Sale: Ancient Tibetan Sculpture of Virupaksha Achieves $4.85 Million at Bonhams Hong Kong Auction

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Early 15th Century Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Virupaksha © Bonhams

In a recent auction event at Bonhams Hong Kong featuring Images of Devotion, an extraordinary Early 15th Century Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Virupaksha from the renowned Densatil Monastery in Central Tibet commanded a staggering price of HK$37,964,000 (approximately USD $4,855,000). This masterpiece, considered the pinnacle of the order’s sculptural tradition, surpassed its estimated value of HK$35-55 million (USD $4.5-7 million), contributing significantly to the overall auction total of HK$75 million (approximately USD $9,632,000).

The Virupaksha figure, representing the Buddhist Guardian of the West, originally graced one of the eight tashi gomang stupas of the Densatil Monastery—an artistic marvel in Tibet’s heritage. Crafted during the peak prosperity of the monastery and the zenith of the ruling noble clan’s influence over Central Tibet post-Yuan dynasty, this sculpture holds historical significance. As the only Heavenly King from Densatil in private possession, it stands as the grandest freestanding Densatil sculpture available in the market, with only three others residing in distinguished museum collections globally.

Edward Wilkinson, Global Head of Himalayan, Indian, and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams, expressed his excitement, stating, “As the only guardian from Densatil in private hands, as well as the largest and most engaging sculpture from Densatil, this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of the greatest icons of Tibetan Art. We are, therefore, thrilled, but not surprised, that it fetched the top price it deserves.”

Among the notable highlights of the auction were a Portrait Thangka of The Second Abbot of Riwoche Monastery, Urgyan Gonpo (Prajnastibhadra), which sold for HK$8,894,000 (approximately USD $1,141,000), surpassing its estimated value of HK$4,500,000-6,500,000. Additionally, a Silver Inlaid Gilt and Silvered Copper Alloy Figure of A Chauri Bearer from Greater Gandhara dating back to the 4th-6th Century achieved a remarkable sale at HK$6,100,000 (approximately USD $783,000), exceeding its estimated range of HK$2,000,000-3,000,000.

Early 15th Century Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Virupaksha © Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr. Top lots for 2022 included a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (Sold for US$4,185,000), a pair of blue and white octagonal candlesticks (Sold for HK$30,453,00/ US$3,911,913), La femme en rouge au fond bleu by Chaïm Soutine (Sold for £1,842,300/ US$2,236,940), and a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet (Sold for US$3,240,375).

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