ZURICH.- Amongst the highlights of the Asian Art Auction on 30 October at Koller Zurich two works stand out: a splendid Tibetan Pancaraksha deity with an estimate of CHF 120 000 / 180 000 and a marvelous Amitayus from China, estimated at CHF 300 000 / 400 000.

The five Pancaraksha deities are said to have emerged from the magical protective utterances of the Buddha. They represent the personifications of incantations and protect man from the difficulties of life. The figure to be offered by Koller in October with four heads, eight arms and a third eye possibly represents a form of the Mahapratisara; some of the attributes – the Cakra and the bow and arrow – indicate this. This is a leading work of art in many respects: for one, it has a provenance of many years in a Swiss private collection; secondly, its condition is first-rate. Made by the Nepalese school in Tibet in the 14th/15th century, this figure has retained its top quality gilding, rich stone inlays and many details such as the attributes in the hands. In addition, at 32 cm, the piece is of pleasing dimensions. Given the rarity of this work, a sale price of between CHF 120 000 and 180 000 is expected (lot 115).

From the same collection Koller will be offering further top quality figures. These include a gilt copper figure of a standing Padmapani from the 13th century, measuring 41 cm, which is estimated at CHF 60 000 / 80 000 (lot 105). From Tibet furthermore comes a fine selection of Thangkas, including three from the 15th century. With an estimate of CHF 30 000 / 50 000 we have lot 177: a Thanka by Simhasana Manjushri in red, green and brown earth tones, measuring 82x60 cm.

China and South East Asia
From the extensive range of Chinese works of art at Koller, of note is especially the absolutely magnificent bronze figure of Amitayus, made in China circa 1700 and decorated with red lacquer and gems (lot 226). A sale price of between CHF 300 000 and 400 000 is expected for this great work. For collectors of early Chinese works, on offer is a bronze vessel of the “Fang Ding” type from the early Western Zhou dynasty at CHF 40 000 / 60 000 (lot 199). An especially elegant coral group depicting a lady and child dates from more recent Chinese history circa 1950 and will be auctioned at CHF 12 000 / 18 000 (lot 332).

South East Asia is represented with a selection of sculptures, including a 53 cm high head of Buddha in alabaster from the Burmese Ava period at CHF 20 000 / 30 000 (lot 570) and a 65 cm high stone stele of Vishnu from India dating from the Pala period at CHF 12 000 / 18 000 (lot 592).