Page 44 - Bonhams Himalayan, Indian Art march 2015

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A gilt copper alloy figure of Vajradhara and Prajnaparamita
Nepal or Tibet, 14th/15th century
The Adi Buddha depicted in sexual union with his consort, both adorned with semi-precious
gems inset sparingly over their richly gilded bodies and crowns.
9 in. (22.8 cm) high
$300,000 - 500,000

From the 11th century onward, the New (Sarma) Schools identify Vajradhara as the primordial
Buddha (Adi Buddha): the inner form of Shakyamuni, and progenitor of the Vajrayana Buddhist
system. He occupies the first rank in the Buddhist pantheon, and typically features as the first
teacher of a tantric lineage. From him emanate the five Dhyani Buddhas, the purification deity
Vajrasattva, and meditation deities including Chakrasamvara.

He represents the highest state of enlightenment, its abstract perfection, the sum of all
Buddhist teachings. Sculptures of Vajradhara therefore serve as secondary representations,
reminding practitioners of the deity’s otherwise formless essence, which is beyond human
comprehension. The present sculpture portrays him in union with Prajnaparamita, considered
to be mother of all Buddhas, thus enhancing the imagery of enlightenment expressed (and
experienced) through the perfect union of male and female principles (compassion and
wisdom, respectively).

He is shown rooted in the meditation posture, his toes relaxed and curling upwards while
pressing against the inside of his broad thighs. He supports his consort with his resolute,
arched posture. Her girdle deftly conceals her rear, clasped below the swath of her loose hair.
Throughout, there is stillness and serenity in their embrace. Their faces reflect the highest
harmony, touching noses, lips, and chins.

Originally, the sculpture would have been set on a separately cast base. Examples showing the
shallow cushion-like apron below the legs can be found in Nepalese and Tibetan sculpture.
Compare with a Tibetan Vajrasattva in the Al Farahnick Collection published in Beguin, Dieux
et Démons de l’Himalaya, Paris, 1979, p.151, no. 148, and a Nepalese Vajradhara published in
von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 358, no. 95a.

For a very closely related example in the Jokhang, Lhasa, see von Schroeder, Buddhist
Sculptures In Tibet, Vol. II, Hong Kong, 2001, pp. 1056-7, pls. 268E-F. Also, compare with an
example in the Rubin Museum of Art sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 25 March 1999, lot 103.
Another is published in von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 365, no.
98E. A later but closely related example of Sitasamvara is held in the Museum Rietberg; see
Uhlig, On The Path to Enlightenment, Zurich, 1995, p. 167, no. 11.

Referenced
HAR – himalayanart.org/image.cfm/41261.html

Published
Franziska Rüttimann, ed., Liebeskunst: Liebeslust und Liebesleid in der Weltkunst, Museum
Rietberg, Zurich, 2002, p. 129, no. 91.

Exhibited
Liebeskunst: Liebeslust und Liebesleid in der Weltkunst, Museum Rietberg, Zurich, 2002-2003

Provenance
Sotheby’s, New York, 5 December 1992, lot 56
Private Collection of Ulrich von Schroeder
Private European Collection

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