Description

Antique Tibetan dynamic figure of Vajrabhairava, the wrathful form Manjushri. In Tibetan: dor je jig je, pa wo chigpa. In English: The Solitary Hero Vajra Terror. Vajrabairava is part of the practice of Yamataka (of the Gelug tradition). In this sculpture, Vajrabairava is locked in tantric embrace with his female counterpart. He has 9 faces, the central face being of a buffalo and the uppermost head that of Manjushri. He is flanked on either side by 34 arms, each holding different aspects of the path. Traditionally, he has 16 legs which stand on the prostrate bodies of humans, animals and birds. The figure of Vajrabhairava is framed by a large nimbus of fire. Made of gilt copper repoussé with details in red and black mineral pigments.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 10 1/4″ high x 7 1/2″ wide x 2 1/2″ deep