Nagaraja, King Muchalinda, Tibet

• Rare representation of King Muchalinda curled up on his base decorated with stylized lotus petals, his hands joined in anjali mudra holding the flaming jewel: The Cintamani, a legendary wish-fulfilling stone and symbol of the Buddha’s teachings, transforming negative thoughts into wisdom. Cintamini (or Chintamini) also refers to the flaming jewel on the Eight Auspicious Symbols vase, representing abundance and intellectual wealth.
• In Nepalese and Tibetan sculpture, some of the Naga kings and queens from the Densatil monastery are depicted with arms, legs and a headdress made up of three to seven cobras. From the 17th century onwards, their legs were gradually replaced by a snake tail.
• The base is sealed with a double vajra.
• Polychrome copper alloy, Tibet, probably 17th/18th century.
• Provenance: Estate of Claude de Marteau
• Sold with certificate of origin.
• H 11.5 cm x W 8.5 cm x D 7 cm
• Weight: 406 grams.

To be compared with two figures published on Himalayan Buddhist Art