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Lot Essay
The present figure is stylistically related to the atelier of Sonam Gyaltsen, a master Buddhist image-maker of the 15th century, as characterised by the fine modelling of the facial features. Compare a standing Avalokitesvara dating to circa 1430 which is inscribed with the Sonam Gyaltsen name, and was sold at Bonhams New York, 19 March 2018, lot 3033.
The heavenly embodiment of wisdom, Vajradhara, holds in each hand a vajra (Tib. dorje), and a ghanta (Tib. drilbu), held across the chest in vajrahumkara mudra. The figure is representing primordial wisdom and is understood as the secret form of Buddha Shakyamuni and the combined essence of all buddhas.
The present form of this important meditational deity is depicted in a classic Tibetan style, with elongated torso and lavish ornamentation, including the beaded jewellery chains, floral arm bands, and jewel finial on top of the chignon. A similar fifteenth-century gilt-bronze figure of Vajradhara cast with the same loop-form celestial scarf beside either side of the arms is in Newark Museum (acc. no. 70.5A).
The heavenly embodiment of wisdom, Vajradhara, holds in each hand a vajra (Tib. dorje), and a ghanta (Tib. drilbu), held across the chest in vajrahumkara mudra. The figure is representing primordial wisdom and is understood as the secret form of Buddha Shakyamuni and the combined essence of all buddhas.
The present form of this important meditational deity is depicted in a classic Tibetan style, with elongated torso and lavish ornamentation, including the beaded jewellery chains, floral arm bands, and jewel finial on top of the chignon. A similar fifteenth-century gilt-bronze figure of Vajradhara cast with the same loop-form celestial scarf beside either side of the arms is in Newark Museum (acc. no. 70.5A).