Lot 143A
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful pair of ritualistic Buddhist trumpets which include a brass dragon or makara shaped dbang dung trumpet, and a more conical brass trumpet, both featuring bell ends shaped as mythical makara heads. The first has a slender stem and cupped mouthpiece and repousse, chased and bas relief details, a ribbed bulb-like form behind the head of the makara flanked by 'beaded' borders and scalloped sections adorned by leaf motifs, and a suspension chain fitted through two integral loops. The other dbang dung has a thicker brass body with repousse foliate brass fittings over the mouthpiece, encircling the center, and forming the makara's head, which is inlaid with coral as eyes. These ornate trumpets are played in processions and in private rituals to accompany dancing and chanting. Size of largest: 19" L x 4" H (48.3 cm x 10.2 cm)
The Makara ("sea dragon" or "water monster" in Sanskrit) is the pet and Vahana (vehicle) of the river goddess Ganga of Hindu mythology, who personifies the purity and piety of the Ganges River (the most sacred river of Hindu mythology) and purportedly descends to earth to rinse away humankind's sins. A row of Makara is typically featured on the exteriors of Hindu temples, running along a wall or serving as a handrail. As a vahana ("that which pulls"), the Makara is sometimes depicted mounted by a deity, at the deity's side, or as a symbolic attribute of the deity, in this case it would be Ganga. Makara are often depicted with the frontal part as an elephant or other terrestrial animal Here he is portrayed with bulging eyes, two antlers, curling mane, and rows of sharp teeth.
Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010
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#168951
- Condition: Both trumpets have light abrasions and indentations to bodies and makara heads, with slight bending to some teeth and horns, otherwise intact and very good. Great surface patina. Trumpets have not been tested for functionality.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |