Khasa Malla Kingdom (29)

14th century, Khasa Malla, Shakyamuni, gilt copper, 13 cm, private collection, published on Lost Arts of Nepal

This buddha has delineated finger joints on the outer part of the hand, a feature unique to works from the Khasa Malla Kingdom  in Western Nepal/Western Tibet, although not all figures have it. The hem of his garment is decorated with a large rice-grain pattern and some folds of fabric are arranged close to the hem – rather than resting over the left shoulder.

13th century, Khasa Malla Kingdom, Buddha Shakyamuni, gilt copper, 50 cm, from the collection of Zhiguan Museum (of Fine Arts) in Beijing (China), published on Lost Arts of Nepal

Quite a different style, with thick limbs and broad shoulders, his tear-shaped urna inlaid with turquoise. The big toe on his right foot is well apart from the rest, as on other large Khasa Malla buddhas seen in previous posts (for instance, on Rubin Museum of Art and  Christie’s, the latter with a Lot Essay at the end of the page.

14th century, Khasa Malla Kingdom, Tara, gilt copper, 13,5 cm, private collection, posted on Lost Arts of Nepal

Green Tara, with a low forehead and a very large turquoise urna (set slightly off-centre), adorned with a singular crown and jewellery. Many Khasa Malla lotus seats have no beading at the bottom, or they have large beading at the the bottom and none at the top, this one has no beading at all. There is probably some red paint at the back.