A privately owned, one-of-a-kind 73 cm statue of the deity Densatil

For collectors of Buddhist art, the mere mention of Densatil Monastery immediately captures attention and admiration. This legendary monastery, once a dominant presence in Tibet, represents one of the highest pinnacles of sculptural artistry.

This autumn in Hong Kong, Bonhams presents the Guardian of the West — Vaishravana (Kubera) from Densatil Monastery, a majestic 15th-century gilt-bronze figure standing 73 cm tall, inlaid with jewels and pearls. This masterpiece, a unique piece in private hands worldwide, is estimated at HK$35 million–55 million (NT$145 million–228 million) and will be offered on December 1, potentially setting a new auction record for Densatil artworks.

The last time this extraordinary sculpture appeared at auction was in 1999. In the more than two decades since, the market has not seen another comparable example of a Densatil figure of such magnificence. To fully appreciate this rare treasure, The Value invited Edward Wilkinson, Global Head of Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams, to offer an expert commentary.