A BRASS ALLOY FIGURE OF VAJRASATTVA


TIBET, 13TH CENTURYHimalayan Art Resources item no.61643 9 cm (3 1/2 in.) high
|西藏 十三世紀 金剛薩埵銅坐像 His name meaning "Vajra Being", Vajrasattva is the Adi Buddha ascribed agency. He is frequently invoked for purification rituals and as a bodhisattva. The Nyingma also treat him as a yidam. In certain instances Vajrasattva is considered a sixth Presiding Buddha, representing their ethereal unity.This delightful bronze depicts Vajrasattva in classic seated fashion holding the vajra before his chest and the ghanta at his waist. Stylistically, the bronze represents the initial adoption of the Pala style by early Tibetan casters. The tall chignon, fan-shaped crown ribbons, and beaded base mimic the Pala style, while the sweet face is distinctly Tibetan. Compare with a brass figure of Manjushri sold at Bonhams, New York, 20 March 2018, lot 3210.Provenance Cees van der Plog, 1995