London – There were impressive results for the sale of the Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould today (5June 2025) at Bonhams New Bond Street. The top lot was aseries 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. These evocative works – which had never been offered at auction before – were a visual record of a pivotal moment in Tibetan history. They sold for £457,600.

One of the highlights was The Dalai Lama on the throne on 22 February 1940 by Krishna Kanwal, which achieved £152,800.

The 14th 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.

The 49-lot sale made a total of £952,000, with 96% sold by lot and 99.9% sold by value.

Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams Group Head of Pictures, commented: "The Gould Collection has been one of the most extraordinary and profoundly important historical sales I have ever been involved with. The centrepiece, Krishna Kanwal'soil work of The Dalai Lama on the throne on 22 February 1940 documents the enthronement of the Dalai Lama – at the age of four – by an artist who was on the spot. It also conveys the sense of spiritual wisdom emanating from this small boy, something that was much remarked upon by those who met him. We are also delighted with the result for the watercolours depicting the ceremonies, dignitaries and enthronement of the Dalai Lama, which are as beautiful as they are significant."

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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, Lhamo Thondup, 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.

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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.

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Sir Basil Gould's Collection and Personal Archive

Another exceptional lot was Gould's personal archive, including seven extensive photograph albums containing over 1,500 images from his 1936-1937 British Mission to Lhasa (sold for £57,550).These albums provide a visual insight into Tibet during the first half of the 20th century. The sale also includes a significant quantity of 16mm Kodachrome cine film shot by Gould, some of which was screened for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral in 1937 (sold for £19,200).

Further highlights include Gould's personal diplomatic uniform by Ranken & Co., Calcutta (sold for £640), his medals and decorations (sold for £3,584), 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 (sold for £14,080).

The auction also featured a variety of Buddhist art, including a set of three 18th/19th-century parcel-gilt Buddha figures (sold for £10,880), a19th-century thangka of Tsangpa Karpo (sold for £6,400), and an early Ming Dynasty cloisonné enamel incense burner (sold for £10,880).

(Press Release)