Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Works of Art
Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Works of Art
Another Property
A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Vajrasattva, Tibet, 15th Century
Auction Closed
September 20, 05:33 PM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Another Property
A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Vajrasattva
Tibet, 15th Century
Height 9¼ in. (23.5 cm)
the deity seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus throne, holding a vajra at his chest and ghanta at his waist, wearing gem-incrusted bodhisattva jewelry, a flowing scarf and a long dhoti fastened at the waist with a jeweled sash, the face with gentle expression, the head crowned with a jeweled garuda diadem flanked by pendant ribbons, the hair in a high chignon surmounted with a vajra Himalayan Art
Resources item no. 8212.
Vajrasattva (Dorje Sempa to Tibetans) or the ‘Vajra Being’ has the power to purify all impure minds and actions and to transform aspirants into completely perfect beings. Vajrasattva represents the inner form of the primordial buddha Vajradhara, who embodies the combined essence of all buddhas. He holds a bell or drilbu (Skt. ghanta) symbolizing wisdom and a dorje (Skt. vajra) symbolizing skillful means and compassion.
A slightly tilted torso and lifted proper-right shoulder give a sense of life to the present figure of the deity. It appears as if his chest is filled with a full meditative breath, while his slightly upturned lips convey his equanimity. He appears as a perfected being should. The soft countenance of the present figure of Vajrasattva is surmounted by a beautiful foliate tiara with a kirtimukha at its center and flanked by pendant ribbons. From the backside, one can see his carefully styled hair–with two parts falling over his shoulders, some neatly resting on his upper back, and a tall chignon decorated with a vajra, visible in the round. His close-fitting dhoti features decorated hems and a billowing scarf frames his torso.
Compare the scarf style, lotus petal base, engraving and kirtimukha crown to another one sold at Sotheby’s New York, 1st December 1993, lot 30.