Page 77 - Sotheby's October 3 2017 Tantra Buddhost Art

The practice of Kala Jambhala in Tibet originated with the
second Sakya Tridzin or throne holder, Bari Lotsawa (born
Rinchen Drakpa, 1040-1111), one of the most influential figures
in Tibetan Buddhist history. In the late eleventh century, Bari
Lotsawa made two extended journeys into India to train as a
translator, during which time he received innumerable tantric
transmissions and empowerments. He then mastered these
practices and transmitted them to his disciples in Tibet,
including the third Sakya Tridzin Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, the
first of the Five Great Sakya Masters.

Kala Jambhala stands in fierce alidhasana atop a supine figure
of Yellow Jambhala, who wears the bodhisattva jewellery
and raiment and holds a jewel in the raised right hand. The
ferocious, ithyphallic deity stares intently, his three eyes
bulging, and his fangs bared. Compare the use of copper
inlay; the sash and raised arm of Yellow Jambhala used as a
support; and the wide, downturned single row of lotus petals
on the base surmounted by a single row of beaded pearls with
another thirteenth or fourteenth century ungilt bronze figure
of Kala Jambhala also from the Nyingjei Lam Collection, see
lot 3109; as well as Pratapaditya Pal, Divine Images, Human
Visions, Ottawa, 1997, p. 73.

THE HEART OF TANTRA – BUDDHIST ART INCLUDING PROPERTY FROM THE NYINGJEI LAM COLLECTION 75