Property of a Gentleman (lots 36-85) A Tibetan gilt-bronze bardo Simha-headed dancing deity, 17th century, richly gilded and cast in energetic posture holding a ritual chopper and a kapala, 9cm high, on metal stand Provenance: Ex Seward Kennedy...

Property of a Gentleman (lots 36-85) A Tibetan gilt-bronze bardo Simha-headed dancing deity, 17th century, richly gilded and cast in energetic posture holding a ritual chopper and a kapala, 9cm high, on metal stand Provenance: Ex Seward Kennedy Collection Note: In Buddhist scripture, the bardo is an intermediate state between rebirth and death in which one can experience vivid phenomena including horrifying imagery related to negative karmic debts. This is an important stage in enlightenment and can allow one to overcome the illusion of worldly attachment. Sculptural examples of these animal-headed deities are rare, as they are typically depicted in painting.