Khasa Malla Kingdom (24)

13th-14th century, Western Nepal or Western Tibet, Khasa Malla, Hevajra and Nairatmya, gilt copper, private collection, photo on Sotheby’s, Hong Kong

Complete with its very distinctive flaming halo and lotus base, this sculpture depicts Guhyasamaja Hevajra, who always stands in embrace with Vajranairatmya, his consort. He has 8 heads, each with three eyes, 16 hands, in which he holds skull cups containing animals and deities, 4 legs, crushing four victims who represent demons (maras). We saw other Khasa Malla examples of this particular aspect of Shri Hevajra, one published here by Christie’s, and two published by Ian Alsop .

Khasa Malla, Hevajra, rear view.

His heads may be arranged in a row of seven plus one, in a row of eight (four at the front, four at the back), or in a stack of four+three+one, as above.

Circa 13th century, Khasa Malla, Shakyamuni, gilt copper alloy, private collection, photo and detailed description by Edward Wilkinson on Bonhams, Hong Kong .

This is one of the most striking Khasa Malla buddhas we have come across so far, with a singular treatment of the eyes (see the large photo below the text on the above website), a unique arrangement of the pleated cloth over his left shoulder, and an unusual depiction of the ribs below the right breast. Like the next figure, he has the characteristic hands with delineated finger joints on the outside.

13th-14th century, Khasa Malla, Shakyamuni, gilt copper alloy, private collection, photo on Bonhams, Hong Kong.

Here Shakyamuni has a small vajra sceptre before him on the lotus seat, which includes some tangs.