Thangka for 45 million

[DharmaSpace]

AFP
March 18, 2015, 9:01 am

Chinese tycoon Liu Yiqian has been handed official ownership of his latest multi-million art auction purchase - a Tibetan tapestry - in Hong Kong, saying it's part of his bid to bring historic artworks back to the mainland.

The Shanghai-based taxi driver-turned-financier snapped up the silk tapestry in November for $US45 million ($A58.46 million) at Christie's in Hong Kong, which the auctioneer said broke the world record for any Chinese work of art sold by an international auction house.

Liu is one of China's wealthiest men and among the country's new class of super-rich scouring the globe for artworks.

He was back in Hong Kongfor the official "handover" of the artwork - although Christie's simply gave him a certificate saying the tapestry was more than three metres tall and too big to display.

The 600-year-old 'thangka', embroidered in vivid hues of red and gold, will be exhibited in 2016 at Shanghai's Long Museum, which Liu founded.

The new wave of Chinese collectors have endured a domestic backlash, with accusations of overspending and showing off.

But Liu, 51, said he had bought the rare piece because he was "overwhelmed" by it.

"Human beings are trivial in front of the thangka. We have to bear a humble attitude... it embodies the Buddhist culture."

Christie's said the tapestry was thought to have been made by craftsmen from the Chinese city of Suzhou and is believed to have been an imperial gift to a Tibetan Buddhist leader.

Beijing has ruled Tibet since 1951, a year after invading, and considers the Himalayan region an integral part of its territory.

But the Tibetan government in exile and some scholars dispute China's historical claims.

"If you look at it from the perspective of politics and diplomacy in ancient China it is... of great importance, because 600 years ago Tibet was a part of China already," Liu said.

"My museum and myself will participate in bidding in future when we see good artwork."

In April, Liu bought a tiny Ming Dynasty wine cup - known as a "chicken cup" - which broke the world auction record for Chinese porcelain at $US36.05 million.

Liu famously later drank tea from the cup, triggering criticism over his treatment of the expensive treasure.

A Song Dynasty calligraphy scroll he bought in 2013 for $US8.2 million at Sotheby's in New York also sparked controversy after its authenticity was questioned

Chinese people are starting to appreciate Buddhist works of art...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ywang/2014/11/26/chinese-billionaire-liu-yiqian-adds-45-million-thangka-to-his-collection/

[yontenjamyang]

Depiction of Buddhist deities in any form are actually priceless because the qualities depicted are Enlightened qualities. It is said that this qualities are more priceless than a wish fulfilling gem. However, we can get a Buddha statue or thangka for a hundred dollars to ten of thousands of dollars depending on the quality of the material and the finishing.
We are thought not to just the depiction itself as these are enlightened qualities but to refer to the physical qualities as the work of the craftsman and from that the price of that particular statue or thangka.

[pgdharma]

All Buddha images in whatever form are holy and are objects of veneration. Just looking at any image of a Buddha is great blessings and some aspiring to be Buddhists may gain inspiration by contemplating on the qualities of the Buddha. Rare pieces and best craftsmanship pieces are much sought after by art collectors and practitioners.  Mr. Liu Yiqian, is very lucky to bid for this such rare thangka which will blessed many who see it when it is exhibited in the museum.

[Dondrup Shugden]

I agree with pgdharma that it is a blessing to set eyes on Buddha images especially when they are such rare and antique ones.  This is the only piece which is in private hands and Mr. Liu will have it displayed in the museum in Shanghai and will be available for all to see whether Buddhist or not.

How meritorious for Mr. Liu.

[MoMo]

What is the effect when someone spend a huge sum on a piece of Buddhist art ? It will draw in the attention of the world and make them ponder why do the people of ancient time spend such great efforts and valuable material into making of this beautiful thangka . It shows to them that the people of the past valued the dharma so highly that only the best available material and craftsmanship could only befitting the benefits that  dharma brings . Similarly, Mr Liu spending a huge sum on this thangka will have the same effect where he values , the past cultures of his ancestors practice and beliefs be worth more than USD 45 million.

[fruven]

I agree with pgdharma that it is a blessing to set eyes on Buddha images especially when they are such rare and antique ones.  This is the only piece which is in private hands and Mr. Liu will have it displayed in the museum in Shanghai and will be available for all to see whether Buddhist or not.

How meritorious for Mr. Liu.

The fact that Mr Liu planning to display the thangka to the public is very a meritorious act. Rejoice that many people will have the opportunity to see the thangka with their own eyes. Many collections are private and it is just for keepsake.

[kelly]

Very kind of Mr Liu who will display this thangka in the museum for the puplic to get blessing very generous act , thank you for sharing.