Rare 17th-Century Tibetan Figure Leads May’s Fine Asian Art Sale
1st May 2026-
A rare inscribed Tibetan gilt copper-alloy 17th-century figure of Candanashri
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Sir Gerard Leslie Makins Clauson (1891–1974), a prominent English civil servant & Orientalist scholar. Image credit: @privatecollection
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From the same collection is a rare and inscribed Chinese gilt-bronze figure of the Fifth Panchen Lama, Lobsang Yeshe (1663–1737), dating from the late 17th to early 18th century.
May’s Object of the Month is a rare inscribed Tibetan gilt copper-alloy 17th-century figure of Candanashri, elegantly cast and seated in a meditative pose, the figure carries an inscription to the reverse, Tsan-dan-dpal, which identifies the deity. In Tibetan Buddhism, Candanashri is one of the Thirty-Five Confession Buddhas, each invoked during prayers of confession to help purify past actions. This figure brings together spiritual meaning and fine craftsmanship, making it both a devotional object and a striking work of art.
The sculpture has an impressive provenance. It was formerly owned by Sir Gerard Leslie Makins Clauson (1891–1974), a prominent English civil servant and respected Orientalist scholar. Clauson was widely known for his groundbreaking research into Turkic languages and his work on Chinese Buddhist texts written in Tibetan script. A lifelong member of the Royal Asiatic Society, he served as both President and Director and was awarded a commemorative gold medal by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his contributions.
The figure closely relates to a comparable example of Shuradatta in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (acc. no. M.75.4.21) and reflects the lasting influence of early Nepalese Licchavi-period art (400–750 CE), seen in details such as the sharply defined features, hooked nose, and gently curved base.
The piece will be offered in the upcoming Fine Asian Art sale on 19 May 2026. Also featured in the sale from the same collection is a rare and inscribed Chinese gilt-bronze figure of the Fifth Panchen Lama, Lobsang Yeshe (1663–1737), dating from the late 17th to early 18th century.
“This superb figure, along with the Panchen Lama, have been in the same collection for around 100 years. They have already generated a wealth of interest from Far-Eastern collectors and we’re excited and privileged to be asked to offer them.” John Axford, Chairman and Head of Asian Art.
Both figures carry a pre-sale estimate of £10,000-£20,000 (before auction fees)
Highlights from the Fine Asian Art and Japanese Works of Art auctions (on 19th & 20th May) will be on view as follows:
- Mayfair Galleries, London: 9th–11th May
- Old Sarum Galleries, Salisbury: 15th–18th May
