A gilt-bronze figure of Yama Dharmaraja, Qing dynasty, 17th / 18th century

Yama Dharmaraja is a Tantric Buddhist wisdom deity, protector of the Anuttaryoga Tantra specifically used by those engaged in the practices of the Vajrabhairava Tantra. As one of the three principle religious protectors of the Gelukpa tradition, Yama Dharmaraja was held in high esteem at the Qing court, resulting in the production of large, high-quality gilded images such as the current example, which is intricately cast and embellished with beaded jewelry.

A larger example of Yama Dharmaraja was sold in these rooms, 20th September 2022, lot 132.