A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF A SIX-ARMED MAHAKALA 18TH CENTURY

For a related gilt-bronze figure of Mahakala see one dated to 1662 illustrated in Ulrich von Schroeder, Indo Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 541, fig. 152E; and another sold at Christie's New York, 1st December 1988, lot 134.

Mahakala is the Protector of Dharma (Dharmapala) in Tibetan Buddhism and can be depicted in a number of variations, each with distinctly different qualities. The six-armed Mahakala, as the present figure, is most favoured by the Gelug order of Tibetan Buddhism, and is considered to be one of the most powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion. The six arms, holding various implements, symbolise the successful completion of the 'six perfections' practiced by bodhisattvas.