Thokcha, Tibetan Amulets, Tibetan & Himalayan Ritual Art

I occasionally like to view past lots that have sold at the Christie's auction house. It is a good way to view rare Tibetan items and marvel at the sheer beauty of objects from a bygone age. This small 13th/14th century rupa of the Mahasiddha Virupa caught my eye today ( height approx 4¾ inches). This sold in March 2000 for $36,800. The Tibetan inscription at the base translates as: "Salutations to the one with the dark red body who makes dangerous persons shake, who holds the skull of immortality in the left hand, who sits in the manner of the king of all, who holds up the sun. Auspiciousness." Click the photo to browse past lots at the Christie's website.