Lot 86B
Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A pair of gilded bronze dancing skeletons known as Citipati presented in a dancing pose with arms and legs interlaced, dancing the Tsam dance. Each wears a short flowing skirt and a magnificent headdress featuring five skulls on the diadem, symbolic weapons atop their heads, and winglike termini. They engage in their sacred dance before an elaborately delineated backdrop of flames. Pair of Citipati and rings of flames are mounted in a lotus pedestal. Size: 11.75" W x 12.75" H (29.8 cm x 32.4 cm)
Despite their bulging eyes, gnashing teeth and overall frightening appearance, the Citipati protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) from forces of dejection and ignorance. The Citipati are worldly guardians, each with a third eye of wisdom. The skeletons or Citipati (also known as Chitipati) represent a pair of lovers known as the Lord and Lady of the funeral pyre, whose sacred skelton dance symbolizes the eternal dance of death as well as the arrival at absolute consciousness. In the traditional performance of the Tibetan Skeleton dance at cemeteries, the two Dharmapalas (Protectors of Truth) are played by Monks. They are deities whose primary role is to protect the cemetery grounds. Beyond this, their presence signifies the ephemeral nature of this earthly world and reminds the audience members of their own mortality. The cult of the Second Buddha, Padmasambhava, planted the seed for this practice through their rich mythological literature.
Provenance: Ex-Bricker Collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#119221
- Condition: Expected surface wear with some loss to gilding and oxidation. Missing crescent moon held between them. Flames and skeletons cast separately from pedestal. Both fit the lotus pedestal nicely, but move slightly when handled.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |