Page 60 - 2020 September 23 Himalyan and Southeast Asian Works of Art Bonhams

629
A GILT COPPER FIGURE OF CHAKRASAMVARA
NEPAL, 15TH/16TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.16809
8 5/8 in. (22 cm) high

$200,000 - 300,000

尼泊爾 十五/十六世紀 銅鎏金勝樂金剛像

The vision of Twelve-armed Samvara in ecstatic, dance-like embrace with his consort
Vajravarahi is one of the most exquisite subjects in Vajrayana Buddhist art. Meaning “Wheel
of Bliss” in Sanskrit, the union of the two deities is known as Chakrasamvara, as represented
in this near-complete example. The deities embody the attainment of the Highest Yoga Tantra
tradition (Anuttarayoga Tantra) and Tibetan Buddhism’s supreme ideal: the skilled union of
perfect wisdom (Vajravarahi) and compassion (Samvara).

Rapturous Vajravarahi lunges towards her consort, swinging her right leg around his waist.
Wide-eyed and with furrowed brows, they behold each other. Cradling her tightly in his primary
arms, Samvara crosses the vajra and ghanta ritual implements within his hands. This gesture is
known as the vajrahumkara mudra and further symbolizes the successful union of wisdom and
compassion. The divine couple tramples recumbent figures under each foot in triumph.

58 | BONHAMS