Two gilt copper alloy repoussé plaques

Tibet, circa 16th century

Tibet, circa 16th century
Each of tall rectangular section depicting a column of three Buddhist figures sitting on lotus plinths, encircled by a detailed lotus vine scroll border, the background highlighted in red pigment, now displayed in massive shadow boxes.
23in (58.5cm) height of plaques
32in (81.3cm) height of shadow boxes

The plaques would have been iconographic elements of a larger shrine, flanking a central deity. The distinct design of enclosing figures in vine roundels is probably inspired by Pala period stone sculptures, such as the schist panel in the Ford Collection, see Pal, Desire and Devotion, Baltimore, 2001, pp.p104-5, no.p42.

Provenance
Private American Collection, since June 1997