Prabhamandala sells for thousands

A Nepalese or Tibetan Prabhamandala dating from the 16th or 17th century sold for £10,000 in a recent Asian & Islamic Art Sale at Mallams’ Cheltenham saleroom.

Often placed behind a statue to indicate its status, this Prabhamandala was made from a mercury gilded copper alloy with red painted sections.

It featured characteristic repousse sacred symbols, including Naga and Makara figures, some standing on elephant-type beasts, within a surround of smaller buddhas and birds, and stood 69cm high. A similar, smaller example can be seen in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Robin Fisher, Mallams’ Director and Head of Eastern, Oriental Art and Ceramics said: “We are particularly pleased with the result for the Prabhamandala as the Oxford based vendor had no idea what it was, and with additional research and marketing from us, we were able to unlock its true potential.”