Tibet, circa 17th century Seated in 'Royal Ease' on a pillow base, holding a fly whisk and bumpa, clad in long flowing robes, the face with heavy-lidded eyes, the hair pulled into a topknot, wearing a backpack, with a tiger on his right
Dimensions Height: 4.5 in. / 11.4 cm
Provenance Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong between 1995-99 Acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Manheim Sold at Christie's New York on 23 March 2010, Lot 248 Property from the Collection of Jameson J. Wood.
Notes Note: The early Buddhist canon includes sixteen arhats, those who had attained enlightenment, who through their accomplishments had reached legendary status. Over time, other figures were added to the original group, including Dharmatala, the attendant to the sixteen arhats. Considered by some to be an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, Dharmatala's iconography always includes the fly-whisk and bumpa.