12. STATUETTE DE KHECHARA VAJRAYOGINI EN ALLIAGE DE CUIVRE DORÉ NÉPAL, VERS XVE SIÈCLE Himalayan Art Resources item no. 4893 16.2 cm (6 3/8 in.) high A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF KHECHARA VAJRAYOGINI NEPAL, CIRCA 15TH CENTURY 尼泊爾 約十五世紀 銅鎏金金剛瑜伽母像 Provenance: With Claude de Marteau, Brussels, by 1970s Vajrayogini is the principal female deity of the Chakrasamvara Tantra who enjoys widespread popularity and worship in all Tibetan Buddhist schools. Originating from the linage of the mahasiddha Naropa, this animated form depicts Vajrayogini tilting her head upwards to the pureland of Khechara. Moreover, she presses her left foot against the demon Bhairava, whose head is dramatically bent backwards, while her right foot subdues the demoness Kalaratri, who struggles to sit up. The figure's gilding, facial treatment, and technical casting are suggestive of an earlier dating to the 15th century of Nepal. Compare with an image of Uma Maheshvara dated 1345 CE, sold at Bonhams, New York, 19 March 2018, lot 3020. Also see a 15th century image of Guhyakali with a similar base, latticework apron, and gilding, sold at Christie's, New York, 13 September 2016, lot 205.