Nilambaradhara Vajrapani copper alloy with semi-precious stones Tibet

The blue-robed dharmapala with his flowing garment open at the front revealing human-bone jewellery, a garland of severed heads and a snake entwined at the prominent abdomen, the garment with wide sleeves falling from the arms in the manner of Tibetan religious dance costume, wearing a skull crown and a snake entwined in the hair, holding a vajra in the raised right hand and a ghanta in the left, a fearsome expression drawn on the gold painted face signifying his role as Defender of the Faith, standing in pratyalidha on demons lying prostrate on a double lotus pedestal.

Good condition overall with traces of cold applied gold on the face, some of the stone inlay missing, some accretion, most likely from butter lamp smoke. A sealed consecration panel is situated in the back of the figure. The unconsecrated base has various casting flaws with old repairs and a few dents around the rim and a small hole on the left side of the lower register. No restoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.