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A BRASS ALLOY FIGURE OF VAJRASATTVA
TIBET, 13TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61643
9 cm (3 1/2 in.) high
HK$65,000 - 85,000
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
THE PRESENCER COLLECTION OF BUDDHIST ART | 45
