Description: A TIBETO-CHINESE BRONZE FIGURE OF VAJRADHAKA CIRCA 18TH CENTURY
The figure seated cross-legged on a lotus base, his hands crossed in vajrahumkara mudra holding a ghanta and vajra, the ferocious bearded three-eyed face with open mouth displaying inlaid copper fangs, wearing a tiger skin and beaded jewels. He wears heavy earrings and a skull crown, his headdress with a vajra finial to the rear and hair cascading down his back. Cast bronze, inlaid with copper, coral and turquoise.
10.5cm high, 8cm wide
PROVENANCE:
Soo Tze Oriental Antiques, 2002
LITERATURE:
For earlier examples see: 'Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet', Ulrich von Schroeder, 2001, p355, catalogue numer 93E; and 'Art of the Himalayas: The Zimmerman Collection', Pal, 1991; and Christie's New York Indian and Southeast Asian Art 20 March 2002 lot 77.
OTHER NOTES:
Images of this type are thought to have served as censers and have been associated with fumigation ceremonies and fire rituals. The figure would have sat on a squat bowl which would have contained sand on which the burning incense was placed in order to emanate from the deity's mouth.
Condition Report: Condition:
A small area of possible restoration under one of the shoulders. Some very minor wear from normal use. Wear to the polychrome decoration. The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect articles for sale at our pre-sale viewing where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.