Lot 687

Tibetan Bronze Figure of Mahasiddha Tilopa

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Lot 687
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Tibetan Bronze Figure of Mahasiddha Tilopa
Tibetan Bronze Figure of Mahasiddha Tilopa
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Tibetan Bronze Figure of Mahasiddha Tilopa

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $300

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Tibet or Nepal, late 19th to early 20th century. Cast bronze figure seated on an integral lotus blossom base. Depicting a deity holding a fish in his left hand, and a small bottle held in his right hand. Wearing a five pointed crown, with a tall tierd hairdo. A snake on his chest to stomach. Wearing beaded necklaces and large hoop ear ornaments. Some scattered traces of blue-green surface patina on an overall deep brown ground. In Tibetan art and iconography, the figure most famously depicted holding a fish is Mahasiddha Tilopa. While not a formal "deity" in the sense of a god, Tilopa is a highly revered, enlightened human master and the spiritual forefather of the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He is considered a "Mahasiddha" (Great Adept or tantric yogi). Why Tilopa Holds a Fish Symbol of Realization: The fish represents Tilopa's power to extract the core essence of spiritual teachings, just as one extracts nourishment from the sea. Control Over Samsara: In Vajrayana symbolism, the fish represents complete mastery over the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Liberation of Consciousness: According to Buddhist lore, Tilopa worked as a fisherman along the Ganges River. He would catch fish, bless them with mantras, and use his meditative power to transfer and liberate their consciousness into pure Buddha fields. Non-Duality: He used fish to teach his disciple, Naropa, the concept of non-duality—showing that there is no inherent "pure" or "impure" in reality. 11.25" H × 7" W (28.58 cm H × 17.78 cm W).

Provenance: Collection of Tom Carson, NYS., active 1970’s - early 2000’s, then by descent to family.

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Item # 72195

  • Condition: Intact; overall in excellent condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000