TIBETAN GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF VAJRASATTVA

Ca. 1800-1900 AD. A gilt-bronze Vajrasattva is seated in padmasana on a lotus base, the figure holds a vajra in his right hand and a ghanta in his left. The vajra, a ritual object in Vajrayana Buddhism, represents the indestructible nature of reality, while the ghanta, a bell-like instrument, represents wisdom. The figure wears a pleated dhoti, a fine necklace curled over the arms, and many body ornaments. The face of the Vajrasattva is particularly noteworthy, with a serene expression, an urna, and smiling lips. Elongated earlobes with circular earrings draw attention to his divine nature, while a five-leaf crown adorns his head. The hairdress is buttoned in a chignon, adding to the overall elegance of the piece. Vajrasattva is a Bodhisattva in Vajrayana Buddhism, representing the purity of the mind. He is often depicted holding a vajra and ghanta, symbolic of the union of method and wisdom, and is considered a powerful deity for purifying negative karma. Size: L:330mm / W:195mm ; 3.3kg Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.