Chakrasamvara Gilt copper alloy with silver, polychrome and semiprecious stones Tibet

Twelve-armed Chakrasamvara adorned with polychrome and semiprecious stones, four heads facing the four cardinal directions, a crescent moon and visvavajra in dark blue hair, a flaming finial atop the gathered jatamukata, holding the prescribed ritual implements in each hand, with the feet of a flayed elephant skin in the uppermost hands, engaged in ecstatic union with his prajña Vajravarahi, naked but for bone jewelry and a garland and crown of skulls, holding aloft a ghanta in her right hand and a vajra in her left, a fierce expression upon her face, eyes gazing at her consort, Chakrasamvara with a tiger skin apron, a necklace of severed heads and a garland and crown of skulls, stepping to his left in alidhasana and trampling Kalaratri and Bhairava laying prostrate on a lotus throne, a faming mandorla behind the two central figures.

Chakramsamvara and Vajravarahi are two of the primary yidams or tutelary deities of Vajrayana Buddhism, symbolizing the dynamic energy (chakra) and supreme bliss (samvara) of enlightenment. Their fierce countenance and wrathful accoutrements display a mastery over afflicted emotions and dualistic view. This finely crafted, highly elaborate sculpture is an excellent example of large-scale 19th century Tibetan metalwork.