ORIGINAL WATERCOLOURS DOCUMENTING THE DALAI LAMA’S ENTHRONEMENT AT BONHAMS IN JUNE

Bonhams

London – The 14^th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) was enthroned in Lhasa, Tibet on 22 February 1940. He was aged four. Among those present was Sir Basil Gould (1883-1956), the Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet who was appointed to represent the British government. On the 85^th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s enthronement, Bonhams announces the sale of the Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould on 4 June 2025 at Bonhams New Bond Street. Among the highlights is a series of 40 original watercolours by the distinguished Indian artist Krishna Kanwal, depicting Sir Basil’s mission to Lhasa in 1940 and portraying the cast of characters at the enthronement. Estimated at £180,000250,000, these evocative works – which have never been offered at auction before – give a visual record of a pivotal moment in Tibetan history. Also featured is Kanwal’s portrait of the Dalai Lama before he became spiritual leader, painted in Lhasa in early 1940 (estimate £70,000-100,000), and his portrait of the Dalai Lama at his enthronement (estimate £150,000-200,000).

Krishna Kanwal’s oil work of The Dalai Lama on the throne on 22 February 1940 will be on view at Bonhams in New York during Asia Week, from 14-19 March, and at Bonhams in LA from 22-25 April.

The Identification of the Dalai Lama

The search for the 14th Dalai Lama was an intricate and deeply spiritual process led by Tibet’s highest religious authorities. Following the passing of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1933, signs and visions guided Tibetan monks to a remote village in Amdo, where a young boy, LhamoThondup, exhibited remarkable recognition of personal items belonging to his predecessor. This included selecting ritual objects from a collection, a key test in confirming his identity. With divine guidance and rigorous examination, the boy was formally recognized and brought to Lhasa to prepare for his enthronement.

Sir Basil Gould at the Enthronement of the Dalai Lama on 22 February 1940

Sir Basil Gould played a pivotal role in the enthronement of the

14th Dalai Lama in Lhasa on 22 February 1940, representing British interests at the historic event. Arriving in Lhasa as the commander of the British Mission, Gould observed the solemn and elaborate ceremony within the Norbulingka Palace. He recorded the moment when the young Dalai Lama, clad in golden robes and a ceremonial yellow hat, was lifted onto the throne amidst the sound of long Tibetan horns and the rhythmic chanting of monks. Gould later described the child as possessing an extraordinary presence beyond his years, with an air of wisdom and serenity that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

Sir Basil Gould’s Collection and Personal Archive

Another exceptional lot is Gould’s personal archive, including seven extensive photograph albums containing over 1,500 images from his 1936-1937 British Mission to Lhasa (estimate £20,000-30,000). These albums provide a visual insight into Tibet during the first half of the 20th century. The sale also includes a significant quantity of 16mmKodachrome cine film shot by Gould, some of which was screened for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral in 1937 (estimate £500-800).

Further highlights include Gould’s personal diplomatic uniform by Ranken& Co., Calcutta (estimate £300-500), his medals and decorations (estimate £400-600), and a collection of rare Tibetan manuscripts and books, including his 1941 report on the recognition and enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama in both English and Tibetan (estimate £300500).

The auction will also feature a variety of Buddhist art, including a set of three 18th/19thcentury parcel-gilt Buddha figures (estimate £8,000-12,000), a 19th-century thangka of TsangpaKarpo (estimate £1,500-2,000), and an early Ming Dynasty cloisonné enamel incense burner (estimate £10,000-15,000).

Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams Group Head of Pictures, commented: “The Gould Collection represents a rare and profoundly important historical archive, shedding light on the cultural and political landscape of Tibet and the British presence in the Himalayas. Many of these items have never been seen on the open market, and we anticipate strong interest from collectors, institutions, and historians alike.”

The auction will be preceded by a public exhibition at Bonhams New Bond Street from 1–3 June 2025, offering an opportunity to view these extraordinary works. 

For further information, email press@bonhams.com

 To download images, please click on this link here:

https://bonhams.box.com/s/m9i5rl1ciburt9wn8nd3y9zltpx2qo6m

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About The Bonhams Network

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.   

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