Page 13 - Bonhams May 11th 2017 London Fine Chinese Art
P. 13

105

Embodying the most important transcendental
ideals in Buddhist art, Chakrasamvara couples with
Vajravarahi symbolising a perfect union of wisdom
and compassion. From Chakrasamvara’s neck
hangs a garland of severed heads strung on
a length of human intestine and the hair of a
corpse, signifying the purification of speech
and the mental factors according to the
Chittamatra or ‘Mind-Only’ School as
described by Asanga.

Compare with a similar gilt-bronze
figure of Chakrasamvara and
consort, 18th century, in the Norton
Simon Museum, Pasadena, acc.
no.M.2010.1.44.S. Another similar
gilt-bronze figure of Chakrasamvara
and consort,
18th century, sold at Christie’s,
New York, 21 March 2012, lot 797.

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