Antique Tibetan gilt bronze Dakini, with traces of silver, inlay of coral and turquoise. In her hands are a raised kappala (or skull cup) filled with the elixir of life, and a curved blade. She is dancing on top of corpses to show her rule over ignorance and ego. Her lotus pedestal is made of gilt copper.

The Dakini are wrathful female deities often shown nude with long, flowing hair and glowering expression. Their name means "sky dancer" in Sanskrit as they lead the deceased into the heavens. Dakini are associated with the flow of energy and are said to help people reach enlightenment through changing the flow of negativity.

18th Century

Size: 3.25" L x 1.5" W x 3.75" H