TIBET, 15TH-16TH CENTURY

Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra is seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base and embraces his consort Adhiprajna in yab-yum, representing the primordial union of wisdom and compassion. Both hold the same attributes underlining the concept of symmetry on which to meditate, as it is suggested that all physical and mental phenomena have a symmetrical nature. The complex deity and his consort both hold attributes that symbolize the five Buddha families: the vajra of Akshobhya, the wheel of Vairochana, the lotus of Amitabha, the jewel of Ratnasambhava and the sword of Amoghasiddhi. The vajra and ghanta held in Guhyasamja’s principle crossed hands refer to Vajradhara who heads the five Buddha’s or tathagatas.
The present lot was formerly in the collection of the late Leendert van Lier (1910-1995), a preeminent dealer of Modern, Oceanic and Asian Art. A selection from his private collection, "African, Oceanic & Indonesian Art from the van Lier Collection," was previously sold in a single-owner sale at Christie's Amsterdam in 1997.