An exceptionally rare large gilt copper-alloy group of Vajrabhairava and Vajravetali
An exceptionally rare large gilt copper-alloy group of Vajrabhairava and Vajravetali
Tibet, 17th century
The exquisitely cast nine-headed Vajrabhairava, with flaming red eyebrows and bared fangs in yab-yum embracing his consort Vajravetali with three bulging eyes, standing in alidhasana above a double-lotus base, his sixteen legs are planted on row of birds and animals and rows of subdued Hindu deities including Ganesha and other animals and deities underfoot, the yidam with six fierce human faces around the central bovine head surmounted by skull crowns and a ferocious head, further surmounted by the head of Manjushri, all exquisitely adorned with elaborate jewellery inlaid with turquoise and garlands of skulls and severed heads, the thirty-four arms holding a myriad of finely detailed ritual attributes, the primary hands holding a vajra sceptre and a skull bowl with the swirling blood of enlightenment, all framed by a bold and vibrant flaming mandorla. 49cm (19 1/4in) high (2).
View it on
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
An exceptionally rare large gilt copper-alloy group of Vajrabhairava and Vajravetali
Tibet, 17th century
The exquisitely cast nine-headed Vajrabhairava, with flaming red eyebrows and bared fangs in yab-yum embracing his consort Vajravetali with three bulging eyes, standing in alidhasana above a double-lotus base, his sixteen legs are planted on row of birds and animals and rows of subdued Hindu deities including Ganesha and other animals and deities underfoot, the yidam with six fierce human faces around the central bovine head surmounted by skull crowns and a ferocious head, further surmounted by the head of Manjushri, all exquisitely adorned with elaborate jewellery inlaid with turquoise and garlands of skulls and severed heads, the thirty-four arms holding a myriad of finely detailed ritual attributes, the primary hands holding a vajra sceptre and a skull bowl with the swirling blood of enlightenment, all framed by a bold and vibrant flaming mandorla. 49cm (19 1/4in) high (2).