the intricately carved yidam striding in pratyalidhasana on a lotus throne, with sixteen feet trampling on numerous creatures and gods, the principal hands holding a kapala and kartrika flanked by thirty-two outstretched arms, within a fiery mandorla with a beaded arch, further portrayed with nine circular faces, the central buffalo head with large bulging eyes and gaping mouth baring teeth, fangs and tongue

Himalayan Art Resources item no. 13439

Acquired in the late 1990s, by repute.
Christie's Paris, 7th June 2011, lot 397.

Good overall condition. Traces of polychrome and cold gold throughout. Loss to one face at verso, and scattered minor losses to fingertips at recto. Scattered areas of accretion and minor surface abrasions.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a closely related black schist carving, depicting Mahakala and dated to the 15th century, see Pratapaditya Pal, Himalayas: An Aesthetic Adventure, Chicago, 2003, p. 245, cat. no. 161. Compare also an earlier black schist carving in Sakya Monastery, depicting image of Ekavira-Vajrabharaiva, dated to the 13th century, illustrated in Ulrich Von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, vol. II, no. 210C, pl. 901.

For another fifteenth century black stone stele sold at auction, see the carving of Vajravarahi sol𓄧d at Christie’s New York, 14th September 2010, lot 73.