A Large Pair of Gilt Copper Répousse Recumbent Deer
Tax exempt. SALE TO BENEFIT THE ASIAN ART ACQUISITION FUND OF THE HARVARD UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUMS; FROM A DISTINGUISHED CONNECTICUT PRIVATE COLLECTION*
A Large Pair of Gilt Copper Répousse Recumbent Deer

TIBET, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

Details
A Large Pair of Gilt Copper Répousse Recumbent Deer
Tibet, 18th/19th Century
Well modeled with their legs tucked under, each with its head raised and ears pricked, one with a short single horn, richly gilt overall, the hoofs, eyes and inside ears painted in polychrome
21½ in. (54.5 cm.) long (2)
Special notice
Tax exempt.

Lot Essay

The deer, one male and female, in their receptive yet attentive attitude with raised heads, symbolize the audience of Shakyamuni Buddha's first teaching at the deer park of Sarnath after attaining enlightenment. He preached the eight-fold path towards liberation from the suffering of unenlightened life. The deer would have flanked an eight-spoked wheel of Dharma, symbolizing the Buddhist teaching or 'Turning of the Wheel', and is generally placed above the front gate of a Buddhist monastery, allowing for the path toward liberation and happiness to progress.
For another pair, see R. Thurman and D. Weldon, Sacred Symbols, The Ritual Art of Tibet, 1999, cat. no. 1.

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